Cover of Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 14

Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 14

by Jean de La Fontaine

Reading level
Plain English
Price
Free

About the book

"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 14" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of short tales written in the 17th century, reflective of the classical era in literature. This volume includes whimsical stories that explore themes of human behavior, morality, and the follies of society, often employing anthropomorphism and satire to deliver moral lessons. The collection features four distinct stories: "The Countryman Who Sought His Calf," where a farmer's search turns comically muddled; "Hans Carvel's Ring," which delves into marital woes and infidelity under the guise of a supernatural promise; "The Hermit," a critique of hypocrisy in religious figures and the consequences of deceit; and "The Convent Gardener of Lamporechio," which humorously illustrates the secret lives of nuns in a convent. Through these narratives, La Fontaine masterfully combines humor and moralistic commentary, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of virtue, temptation, and the human condition.

  • French poetry
  • Fables, French

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #5288.

More free books by Jean de La Fontaine

About Jean de La Fontaine