La Fontaine (1621-95) followed a career as a poet after early training for the law and the Church. He came under the wing of Louis XIV's Finance Minister, Nicolas Fouquet, and later enjoyed the patronage of the Duchess of Orléans and Mme de La Sablière. His Fables were widely admired, and he was already regarded in his lifetime as one of the greatest poets of his age.
Christopher Betts's new versions [of the Fables] provide a fine
introduction. He translates into easy and pleasing rhyme ... Betts
is a respectful translator, avoiding jarring anachronisms and
preserving the good humour and wit of the original. You feel you
are in the hands of someone who understands La Fontaine and finds
him congenial ... The volume itself, illustrated with engravings by
Gustave Doré, is beautifully produced and a pleasure to read.
*Maya Slater, Times Literary Supplement*
This beautiful book is enhanced with glorious pictures by Gustav
Doré the stories are readable... it's perfect. This is an edition
of a classic work that will enrich anyone's collection.
*Books Monthly*
Betts's translation does an excellent job of conveying the
lightness and grace of the original pieces. Even those overly
familiar with many of these myths will find it difficult not to be
charmed by how well these verses flow ... This excellent new
translation should appeal to most students of literature and anyone
with an interest in fables
*Library Journal*
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