Description
Book Synopsis: Animal fables are said to have originated with Aesop, a semilegendary Samian slave, but the earliest surviving record of the fables comes from the Latin poet Phaedrus, who introduced the new genre to Latin literature. This verse translation of The Fables is the first in English in more than two hundred years.
In addition to the familiar animal fables, about a quarter of the book includes such diverse material as prologues and epilogues, historical anecdotes, short stories, enlarged proverbs and sayings, comic episodes and folk wisdom, and many incidental glimpses of Greek and Roman life in the classical period.
The Fables also sheds light on the personal history of Phaedrus, who seems to have been an educated slave, eventually granted his freedom by the emperor Augustus. Phaedrus' style is lively, clean, and sparse, though not at the cost of all detail and elaboration. It serves well as a vehicle for his two avowed purposes—to entertain and to give wise counsel for the conduct of life. Like all fabulists, Phaedrus was a moralist, albeit on a modest and popular level.
An excellent introduction by P. F. Widdows provides information about Phaedrus, the history of The Fables, the metric style of the original and of this translation, and something of the place of these fables in Western folklore. The translation is done in a free version of Anglo-Saxon alliterative verse, a form used by W. H. Auden and chosen here to match the popular tone of Phaedrus' Latin verse.
Details
Discover the captivating world of animal fables with The Fables of Phaedrus. Originating from the legendary Aesop, these timeless stories have been beautifully translated into English after two hundred years. Dive into this enriching collection, which not only includes the beloved animal fables but also prologues, historical anecdotes, short stories, and comic episodes. Whether you're seeking wisdom or simply looking to be entertained, Phaedrus' lively and clean style is sure to captivate you.
Unravel the personal history of Phaedrus, an educated slave eventually granted freedom by Emperor Augustus, as you immerse yourself in his words. This exceptional translation, written in a free version of Anglo-Saxon alliterative verse, brings the popular tone and spirit of Phaedrus' Latin verse to life. Every page of The Fables sheds light on Greek and Roman life, offering you fascinating glimpses into classical society.
As you delve into the world of The Fables of Phaedrus, prepare to be enchanted by the moral messages embedded in each tale. Phaedrus, like all fabulists, ensured that his stories conveyed valuable life lessons, making each fable a source of wisdom on a modest and relatable level. Immerse yourself in these stories to learn valuable counsel that you can apply to your own life.
Don't miss out on this remarkable new edition of The Fables of Phaedrus. Order now and embark on a journey filled with enchantment, wisdom, and timeless storytelling. Click here to order your copy today!
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