Jean de La Fontaine (July 8, 1621 – April 13, 1695) was a French fabulist and one of the most widely read French poets of the 17th century. He is best known for his Fables (1668–94), which rank among the masterpieces of French literature. Comprising some 240 poems, theywere written in a variety of styles, from the simple and direct to the complex and sophisticated. La Fontaine's fables are based on traditional folk tales, but he adapted them to his own purposes, using them to explore a wide range of human themes, such as the nature of good and evil, the importance of education, and the dangers of pride.
La Fontaine was born in Château-Thierry, France, to a wealthy family. He studied law in Paris, but he soon abandoned it to pursue a career in literature. He worked as a secretary and a tutor before being appointed to the court of Louis XIV in 1661. There, he became a member of the Académie française, the most prestigious literary institution in France.
La Fontaine's first collection of fables, Contes et nouvelles en vers (1665), was a critical and commercial success. He followed it up with a number of other collections, including Fables choisies, mises en vers (1668–94), which is considered his masterpiece. La Fontaine's fables were immediately popular, and they have been translated into many languages. They are still read and enjoyed by children and adults alike today.
La Fontaine was a prolific writer, and he also produced a number of other works, including plays, novels, and poems. However, it is his fables for which he is best known. He is considered one of the greatest French poets of all time, and his fables are considered a cornerstone of French literature.
Here are some of La Fontaine's most famous fables:
- The Lion and the Mouse
- The Tortoise and the Hare
- The Crow and the Fox
- The Wolf and the Lamb
- The Ant and the Grasshopper
La Fontaine's fables are known for their wit, their wisdom, and their timeless appeal. They are a valuable source of entertainment and education, and they continue to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
