
A lively assortment of short fables opens with the bizarre monster Moulinavent, a four‑armed creature that battles unseen divinities while turning the tables on every blow. The tales weave absurdity with sharp observation, using talking animals, odd inventions and quirky characters to lampoon the grand narratives that dominate society. Each story begins as a simple parable, then twists into a playful critique of ambition, authority and the everyday absurdities of human life.
Born from the turmoil of the early twentieth‑century conflict, the collection serves as a quietly defiant voice against militarism. Its author’s satirical edge turns war rhetoric into farce, offering listeners a thoughtful, if mischievous, perspective on how power is wielded and resisted. The fables invite reflection through humor, making them a timeless companion for anyone who enjoys wit that both entertains and provokes.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (216K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: B. W. Huebsch, 1920.
Credits
Tim Lindell, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2022-07-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1884–1955
A sharp, thoughtful voice in early 20th-century British literature, this novelist and critic wrote vividly about art, society, and the inner lives of his characters. His work was shaped by close ties to the literary world around him, including friendships with major writers of his time.
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