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...