Fables of Odo of Cheriton

This is one of the first complete collections of medieval Latin fables to appear in modern English. Odo of Cheriton (c. 1185- c. 1247) wrote sophisticated fables, filled with great wit and humor, yet highly moral, even didactic, in keeping with the age in which he lived - one vigorous in religious, philosophic, scientific, and social debate and conflict.

Jacobs' translation of the 117 fables makes them available to a new readership at a time when interest in fables, parables, and fairy tales is growing.

In addition to the fables themselves, Jacobs has provided a substantial Introduction which discusses Odo of Cheriton's life and his 13^th-century world. As the first comprehensive discussion of Odo's career and critical analysis of the fables, the Introduction will interest medievalists and a broad range of readers.

Drawing upon modern critical techniques, Jacobs sheds new light on medieval narrative and modes of interpretation. He also shows how the moralizing commentaries attached to representative fables are integral to the fables' narrative art.

The text is illustrated with seventeen exceptional sketches taken from the album of Villard de Honnecourt - a near contemporary of Odo. These drawings have a fluid vitality which perfectly complements the delightful narratives.

Author: John G. Jacobs, Odo
Publisher: Syracuse University Publications in Continuin
Published: 12/01/1984
Pages: 216
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.72lbs
Size: 8.96h x 6.04w x 0.65d
ISBN: 9780815623267

About the Author
John C. Jacobs received his Ph.D. in English and medieval studies from the University of Chicago. His translation of the fables was supported in part by a National Endowment for the Humanities translation grant.