Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Complete

Jean de La Fontaine emerged from modest provincial roots to become a quietly brilliant voice in French letters. Though his formal schooling was limited, he absorbed the classics—from Virgil and Horace to Rabelais and Boccaccio—shaping a wit that would later animate his famous fables. His personal life, marked by a marriage of convenience and a circle of discerning friends, unfolded largely away from the public eye, leaving his literary output as the primary testament to his genius.

This volume gathers not only the celebrated animal fables but also a selection of his lesser‑known tales, some adapted from Italian models and others revised for greater variety. In his own preface, La Fontaine explains his reluctance to publish these pieces, fearing they might be viewed as frivolous or too daring for the era. Yet he offers them now, inviting listeners to experience the charm and moral sparkle that have kept his work alive for centuries.