Encyclopedia of Fable

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Fable is one of the most interesting genres of world literature. From ancient times to the present, fabulists have sought to convey moral points through tales which typically involve animals. This text presents a guide to the subject, covering major works, characters and situations as well as the genre's creators, collectors and illustrators. The book includes a listing of the world's most prominent fables; biographies of famous fabulists, adapters and translators; and definitions of terms such as wisdom lore, allegorical proverb, Horatian fables and griot. M.E. Snodgrass also discusses cycles of fables, such as Anansi the spider; the impact of fables on children's literary classics such as Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit and the books of Dr Seuss; and fables as a component of storytelling, drama, fiction and cinema.

Reviews

"...the book is well written and readable, and the inclusion of 20th-century authors and topics ensures that fable is viewed as a living genre rather than one whose more moralistic time has passed. Recommended for public and academic libraries." - Library Journal "This book is a pleasure to read; even the introduction presents well-digested information in a sort of Cook's Tour of the history of fable." - School Library Journal

Author Bio

Mary Snodgrass Mary Ellen Snodgrass, an educator and expert 'n class'cal mythology, l'terature, and the human't'es, holds an M.A. degree 'n Engl'sh from Appalach'an State Un'vers'ty.