The Fables of Aesop

Abstract

This is a fragile little book starting to separate from its spine. There are ninety-five numbered fables, each with an application. The preface starts off by recalling that, when Luther was at the castle of Coburg in 1530 writing some very serious things, he turned to rendering a number of Aesop's fables into German. Luther wrote I do not know of many books, beside the Bible, that might be deemed superior to this, as regards temporal things in the world. The last line of the preface, signed by A.L.G., mentions that the fables have been carefully revised. I have checked only the first two fables, but the clear source is Croxall. Perhaps the biggest revision is that Croxall's long applications have been reduced to a short paragraph. I am surprised at the concept of a Pastime Library. Is the seminary providing safe and wholesome reading for pastors? There is a 30-page life of Aesop at the beginning.