Martin Luther: Etliche Fabeln aus Aesopo

Abstract

This handly little volume of 53 pages contains the whole kernel from which Luther proposed to do a major publication of fables. In fact, there are thirteen fables numbered 1-10, 12-13, and 16. I had always feared that the German of Luther's fables would be difficult and that the collection would be overwhelming. Neither fear fits the reality. Luther put together this collection in 1530 in the Burg Coburg. They were first published posthumously. Melanchton's high respect for fable may have helped to shape Luther's respect. The fables appear here in a photographic facsimile and a modern transliteration. An Editorischer Bericht precedes the fables, with valuable information on their origin in Luther's life. Even more helpful is the longer Nachwort (37-53). Luther gives a good sense of the importance of fable in a few paragraphs before the texts, and especially in his moralizations after each. He bases his work on Steinhoewel's edition, which he finds shamefully lacking, since for him it makes fable into sheer and even immoral entertainment. Fables for Luther show you how the world works, and what you see is that the world is cruel and threatening. This is a very helpful little book!