
Jean de La Fontaine - FABLES - (1668 - 1694) - Livre I - Table des matières
Préface
A Monseigneur le Dauphin
La Cigale et la Fourmi
Le Corbeau et le Renard
La grenouille qui veut se faire aussi grosse que le bœuf
Les deux mulets
Le Loup et le Chien
La Génisse, la Chèvre et la Brebis en société avec le Lion
La Besace
Step into a world where animals speak and everyday situations turn into timeless lessons. This first volume gathers the most celebrated verses, each a compact story that blends wit, humor, and sharp observation of human folly. La Fontaine’s skillful use of rhyme gives the ancient morals a fresh, musical sparkle, while his elegant French captures both simplicity and depth. Listeners will hear the clever rivalry of the crow and the fox, the industrious ant confronting the carefree cicada, and many other memorable pairings.
Beyond entertainment, the fables invite reflection on pride, generosity, and the consequences of deceit, all delivered through characters that feel both familiar and fantastical. The narrator’s gentle preface explains the poet’s belief that poetry and moral truth are inseparable, setting a thoughtful tone for the tales that follow. Whether you enjoy the playful banter of a sly fox or the humble wisdom of a humble ant, each story offers a bite‑sized insight that resonates long after the last line fades.
Language
fr
Duration
~40 minutes (39K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chuck Greif
Release date
2006-03-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1621–1695
Best known for turning brief animal tales into sparkling works of literature, this 17th-century French poet gave the fable a wit and elegance that still feel fresh. His stories are simple on the surface, but full of sharp observations about pride, power, greed, and human nature.
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