
ADE'S FABLES - By - GEORGE ADE - By the Same Author The College Widow, In Pastures New, Knocking the Neighbors, Fables in Slang
Illustrated by John T. McCutcheon
garden city new york DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY 1914 - Copyright, 1912, 1913, by Cosmopolitan Magazine - Copyright, 1914, by Doubleday, Page & Co. - All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign languages, including the Scandinavian
ADE'S FABLES
A mischievous narrator introduces us to a young lad whose future is being charted by a flamboyant figure called Ambition. With a silver breast‑plate and a flaming sword, Ambition offers the boy a series of grandiose career paths—from circus performer to naval buccaneer—each more extravagant than the last. The whimsical language turns ordinary childhood wishes into epic quests, while sly commentary hints at the ways society pushes youngsters toward ever‑higher expectations.
As the boy grows, the promises shift from daring escapades to respectable military glory, complete with uniforms, parades, and presidential accolades. Yet even as he climbs the imagined ladders of success, Ambition hovers nearby, ready to rewrite the script. The story playfully explores how dreams are molded, redirected, and sometimes overwhelmed by the relentless whisper of ambition, inviting listeners to reflect on the balance between aspiration and authenticity.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (206K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Edwards and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from scanned images of public domain material from the Google Print project.)
Release date
2007-02-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1866–1944
Best known for his witty Fables in Slang, this Indiana-born humorist turned everyday American speech into sharp, funny stories that made him a national favorite. He also became a hugely successful playwright, bringing the same easy charm and satire to the stage.
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