
Aesop's Fables in William Caxton's Original Illustrated Edition
by Aesop
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About This Book
Aesop's celebrated collection of fables has always been popular with both adults and children. These simple tales embody truths so powerful, the titles of the individual fables - the fox and the grapes, the dog in the manger, the wolf in sheep's clothing and many others - have entered the languages and idioms of most European tongues.
Our Review
This collection presents Aesop's timeless fables through William Caxton's original 15th-century illustrated edition, offering readers a direct connection to the first English printing of these classic moral tales. The familiar stories—from the fox dismissing unreachable grapes to the wolf's deceptive fleece—appear in their earliest English form, preserving the linguistic texture that shaped so many common expressions. This edition serves as both literary heritage and historical artifact, allowing modern readers to experience these fables as they first appeared in print rather than through contemporary adaptations.
What distinguishes this volume is its commitment to historical authenticity, presenting Caxton's original translations and woodcut illustrations without modernization. Teen readers and young adults studying literature or history will appreciate seeing how these enduring stories were first packaged for English audiences, while writers can observe how narrative economy and moral clarity transcend centuries. The collection demonstrates why these simple animal tales continue to resonate, proving that truth wrapped in storytelling remains powerful regardless of its vintage.
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