Aesop: A Novel
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Authors
Wintle, Alfred Daniel
Issue Date
1943
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Book, Whole
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Abstract
I enjoyed reading this book straight through on a train trip. It adheres well to the standard novel of Aesop's life, with the exception of the scurrilous and obscene parts. If it has a particular focus, it is the anti-oracular character of Aesop's knowing. There are helpful additions, particularly of the characters Baidan and Yuzzat, shepherds whom Aesop meets together. Baidan is a jolly character who shares Aesop's curiosity and his sense of a good story. Yuzzat is envious and ugly from the start. In fact, Yuzzat as a priest at Delphi sees to Aesop's death. Baidan arrives just too late. He seizes Yuzzat and together they go over the same cliff off of which Aesop has just been hurled. The story starts with Aesop's touching last day with his mother Larissa. This account takes some liberty with the story when it has Aesop learn to communicate in his own fashion early in his career with a few people like Larissa and Baidan. This biographical account weaves in many more of Aesop's fables than the standard novel does. I also do not remember from the normal novel mention that Croesus, taught by Aesop, uses his gold for benefactions and good works. Second impression before publication is on the back of the title-page. I wonder how many books England was printing in 1943.
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Publisher
Victor Gollancz LTD
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Identifier
5176 (Access ID)