Beasts & Men Folk Tales Collected in Flanders and Illustrated by Jean de Bosschère

"Beasts & Men" by Jean de Boschère is a compilation of Flemish folk tales that intertwine animal and human characteristics to deliver moral teachings and witty societal observations through allegory. The collection begins during a severe drought, where forest animals suffer greatly from lack of water. Master Fox and Mistress Goat seek water and find a deep well. The cunning Fox deceives the Goat into climbing down into the well by professing the water's deliciousness. After drinking his fill, the Fox leaves the Goat trapped, highlighting cunning, treachery, and the harsh realities of survival where self-preservation often trumps compassion.