Cover of Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 2

Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 2

by François Rabelais

Reading level
Plain English
Price
Free

About the book

"Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 2" by François Rabelais is a novel written in the 16th century. This satirical adventure follows the giant Gargantua from birth through his unconventional education and into war. When neighboring bakers refuse to sell bread to local shepherds, the dispute escalates into full-scale conflict. Gargantua must defend his father's kingdom while navigating questions of proper governance and human folly. Filled with wordplay, vulgarity, and sharp social commentary, the work blends outrageous humor with deeper philosophical concerns about education, power, and society.

  • Giants
  • Fantasy fiction, French
  • Gargantua (Legendary character)

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #8167. Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 2 on Wikipedia.

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