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sofrosune's review

5.0
challenging funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: N/A
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I read the version with the title "The Fables of Aesop: As First Printed by William Caxton in 1484, With Those of Avian, Alfonso and Poggio".

William Caxton's English is unintendedly funny.

This book is written in a very hard to read English. It is in fact Middle English, in its late period. Once you understand the vocabulary (Wiktionary was greatly helpful), and get used to the lack of commas, and get familiar with the writing style, it becomes a fun read.

The Fables are in Volume II. There is a Glossary at the end (which is not complete, so a Middle English dictionary will be needed). Additionally, the translator William Caxton did not translate some French words, so a French dictionary will be needed as well.