Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 15

** "Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 15" by Jean de La Fontaine is a compilation of stories told in verse and prose that cleverly examines the ups and downs of love, trust, and trickery. Crafted for readers of 17th-century France, it uses humor to explore the complex web of human interactions, particularly relationships. The volume includes tales such as "The Mandrake," where a gullible man named Nicia, who wants kids, falls for a trick involving a supposed magical plant, resulting in a hilarious mess involving his wife, Lucretia, and a sly young man called Calimachus. Then there's "The Rhemese," which follows a painter's smart wife, who, along with her husband, outsmarts two men chasing after her, showcasing just how pointless their desires really are. The book combines smarts and insight, revealing La Fontaine's skill at capturing the foolish aspects of love and ambitions. **