Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 11

In this lively volume the celebrated French storyteller invites listeners to step into a world where familiar legends are reshaped with wit and musical rhyme. The opening preface sets the tone, explaining how the author balances graceful verse with a playful disregard for strict rules, choosing pleasure and cleverness over rigid formality. He argues that true charm comes from a mix of taste, smartness, and a willingness to bend old conventions, promising a listening experience that feels both learned and delightfully imperfect.

The collection offers a varied handful of tales, including the mischievous adventure of Friar Philips' geese and the spirited narrative of Richard Minutolo, each rendered in lyrical language that swings between humor and gentle satire. Listeners will enjoy the author's skill at trimming, expanding, and re‑imagining familiar plots, turning the familiar into something fresh without losing the heart of the story. Whether you favor light‑hearted fables or thoughtful reflections on the art of storytelling, these pieces provide a charming glimpse into a poet’s late‑career creativity.