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A review by virgilsaeneid
Aesop's Fables: A New Translation by Robin Waterfield, Aesop
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC
An excellent new translation, Robin Waterfield's cherry-picked collection of 400 Aesop's Fables makes for an interesting reading experience. As someone who grew up reading the whimsical fairy tale versions of Aesop's Fables frequently retold in children's books, revisiting the fables was a cathartic and enjoyable experience. Waterfield's translation makes for an excellent gateway into revisiting the classic fables through an adult perspective, as it removes the more childlike interpretations of the stories aimed towards children.
Revisiting Aesop's Fables for the first time since I became a student of ancient history was also an interesting experience, too. When I read the fables as a child, I wasn't aware of their roots in Antiquity, but after thoroughly studying the Mediterranean's ancient history, Waterfield's selection of fables is highly enlightening. The fables chosen by Waterfield often reflect the intrinsic nature and paradigms of Classical society and offer a deeper insight into the beliefs and morals of these societies. I ultimately envision this book being a staple of any historian's bookshelf, especially those focused on the lifestyle and religious mythos of Greece. Especially with that gorgeous cover art!
Ultimately I gave Waterfield's Aesop's Fables 4/5 stars. While I did enjoy revisiting these tales, it's not my usual kind of book, and I ultimately believe that it was geared towards a different audience than me. Still, I applaud Waterfield on his translation, and deeply appreciated the attached further readings list and selection of translated works.
An excellent new translation, Robin Waterfield's cherry-picked collection of 400 Aesop's Fables makes for an interesting reading experience. As someone who grew up reading the whimsical fairy tale versions of Aesop's Fables frequently retold in children's books, revisiting the fables was a cathartic and enjoyable experience. Waterfield's translation makes for an excellent gateway into revisiting the classic fables through an adult perspective, as it removes the more childlike interpretations of the stories aimed towards children.
Revisiting Aesop's Fables for the first time since I became a student of ancient history was also an interesting experience, too. When I read the fables as a child, I wasn't aware of their roots in Antiquity, but after thoroughly studying the Mediterranean's ancient history, Waterfield's selection of fables is highly enlightening. The fables chosen by Waterfield often reflect the intrinsic nature and paradigms of Classical society and offer a deeper insight into the beliefs and morals of these societies. I ultimately envision this book being a staple of any historian's bookshelf, especially those focused on the lifestyle and religious mythos of Greece. Especially with that gorgeous cover art!
Ultimately I gave Waterfield's Aesop's Fables 4/5 stars. While I did enjoy revisiting these tales, it's not my usual kind of book, and I ultimately believe that it was geared towards a different audience than me. Still, I applaud Waterfield on his translation, and deeply appreciated the attached further readings list and selection of translated works.