The Talking Beasts: A Book of Fable Wisdom by Wiggin and Smith
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"The Talking Beasts: A Book of Fable Wisdom" by Kate Douglas Wiggin and Nora Archibald Smith is a collection of fables, likely written in the early 20th century. This anthology draws from various cultural sources, including Aesop and Bidpai, presenting timeless lessons through the interactions of animals. The fables aim to impart wisdom about human nature, morality, and the nuances of daily life through entertaining narratives that have resonated through generations. The
opening of the book provides context and a poetic introduction that invites readers into a world where animals communicate profound truths about human behavior. For example, it discusses the origins of these fables and their enduring appeal, highlighting figures like Aesop, who is depicted as both historic and legendary. Various fables are foreshadowed, such as a hungry wolf's deceitful conversations with a lamb, and the lessons therein range from the consequences of greed to the importance of foresight and cooperation. These stories are framed as not only narratives but also reflections on the moral compass that guide human lives, making the collection relevant to readers of all ages. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 85.8 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Note
Illustrations by Harold Nelson not included in this PG edition
Contents
Fables of Aesop. (Greek) -- Fables of Bidpai. (Indian) -- Fables from the Hitopadesa. (Sanskrit) -- Fables from P.V. Ramaswami Raju. (Indian) -- Malayan fables -- Moorish fables -- African fables -- Fables from Krilof. (Russian) -- Fables from the Chinese -- Fables of La Fontaine. (French) -- Fables from the Spanish of Carlos Yriarte -- Fables of Gay, Cowper and others. (English)
