Thanks to Waterfield's efforts, a list of Aesop's fables is categorized into groups based on the characters they feature, allowing you to easily sense patterns with messages and meanings associated with each animal or animal group and what messages or values are highly sought-after based on the frequency of reappearances. Waterfield's commentary emphasises the fables' messages, all centred around virtue ethics. The new translation also allows you to appreciate the comedicness and charm of these fables. My main gripe, though this may be more with Aesop (if he's even real, as Waterfield posited), is that many stories have the same message featuring one or more of the same set of animals or beings. Redundancy has its place in aiding recall and creating emphasis, but there may be too many within this collection to retain my interest the whole way through. Otherwise, a commendable effort.

Thanks to Netgalley and Basic Books for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.

This book made me so nostalgic and took me back to my childhood.

Me and my brother are avid readers, have been since we were children. Have always been I don't even remember since how long. In India we get Panchatantra which we can say is india's version of fables which are as old as 200 BCE.

It always amazes me how the literature lasts ages and ages and become ageless and imperishable. The reason is why I love classics.

The translation of Aesop's fables was good.. There are about 400 short stories and all have something to offer, something to teach us.

Highly recommended.

Thank you Netgalley and basic books for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

In Robin Waterfield's new translation of Aesop's Fables, readers are presented with a comprehensive collection of 400 timeless narratives. Departing from the simplistic renditions often prevalent in children's literature, Waterfield's interpretation delves deeper, uncovering the enduring wisdom inherent in these tales.

Reflecting on my initial encounter with Aesop's Fables during childhood, I am reminded of these stories' profound impact on shaping my moral compass. The principles of honesty, kindness, and perseverance instilled by these fables have persisted into my adult life, guiding me through the complexities of modern society.

This collection of 400 tales offers readers a window into the past. By contextualizing the fables within the ancient Mediterranean milieu, Waterfield provides invaluable insights into the cultural ethos and ethical values of the time.

Their moral teachings remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago. In a contemporary world often fraught with moral ambiguity, Aesop's timeless wisdom serves as a beacon, illuminating the virtues of integrity, compassion, and humility and guaranteeing their enduring resonance for future generations.

My thanks to Basic Books and NetGalley for granting this e-ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"Aesop's Fables: A New Translation" by Robin Waterfield breathes new life into the ancient and timeless tales that have been a cornerstone of moral education for centuries. Waterfield, a renowned scholar, presents a collection that is both faithful to the spirit of Aesop's original narratives and refreshingly modern in its clarity.

The fables, known for their simplicity and depth, are presented with a new layer of nuance that invites readers to delve deeper into the allegories. The translation is crisp and accessible, making the wisdom of Aesop available to a contemporary audience without losing the charm and wit that have made these stories beloved around the world.

I do enjoy fables, especially from ancient Greece, so I know I would enjoy this book.

However, I found that a lot of the fables were related, but with different characters involved. This actually bored me somewhat, and made it difficult to read. My other critique is the explanations of the fables. I agree with some of the meanings behind them, and although I appreciate the authors translation, I prefer to come to my own conclusion.

I received this book as an ARC in return for an honest review.

Every library should contain a book of Aesop's Fables. Everyone I know has read at least a few of the fables and found them so good that they share with friends and family. This volume contains 400 of the family favorites. They bring back memories of reading when I was young and discovering reading for pleasure. This is an excellent gift to yourself or someone you love. Build your new memories today.

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.