The fables of Aesop and others, translated into human nature
Classic Fables illustrated by Charles H. Bennett
A selection of legendary tales written by Aesop, published in 1875 by Chatto & Windus. We are dealing with 22 fables altogether, each with a moral and one illustration signed by Charles H. Bennett (1829-1867). Illustrations were drawn directly on wood and engraved by legendary engraver Joseph Swain (1820-1909). As you can see, all pictures were colored by unsigned artists, which makes this old picture book especially attractive.
Let's enjoy one fable at a time:
The wolf and the lamb
The moral: A tyrant can always find an excuse for his tyranny.
The frog and the ox
The moral: Not all creatures can become as great as they think.
The ass in a lion's skin
The moral: No disguise will hide one's true character.
The lobster and his mother
The moral: You can distinguish from others easily, just have to be boiled first.
The wolves and the sick ass
The moral: The kindness of a legacy-hunter is apt to be killing.
The ape and her two young ones
The moral: A plant may thrive better by the roadside than in a hot-house here a Fool is a gardener.
The daw in borrowed plumes
The moral: Borrowed feathers do not make fine birds.
The lion and the gnat
The moral: The least of our enemies is often the most to be feared.
The fox and the crow
The moral: Do not trust flatterers.
The fox that was docked
The moral: Do not listen to the advice of him who seeks to lower you to his own level.
The dog and the shadow
The moral: It is not wise to be too greedy.
The fox and the grapes
The moral: It's easy to despise what you cannot have.
The mole and her son
The moral: Do not boast of things you do not have.
The cat's paw
The moral: The flatterer seeks some benefit at your expense.
The treacherous cur
The moral: Trust is hard-gained and easily lost.
The dog and the wolf
The moral: Better starve free than be a fat slave.
The dog in the manger
The moral: People often begrudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.
The hare and the tortoise
The moral: Slow and steady wins the race.
The fox and the crocodile
The moral: Liars are caught out by their deeds.
The ant and the grasshopper
The moral: If you want to succeed tomorrow, you have to start working today.
The wolf in sheep's clothing
The moral: The evil doer often comes to harm through his own deceit.
The wolf and the crane
The moral: Expect no reward for serving the wicked.
This was a selection of 22 fables mostly attributed to Aesop. If you wish to read more fables, there are hundreds and hundreds of them available online. To learn more about the importance of reading fables, visit this page:
Why should you make your personal list of fables? | Many Interesting Facts
Bye for now!
