How Long to Read Aesop's Fables

How Long Does it Take to Read Aesop's Fables?

It takes the average reader 1 hour and 51 minutes to read Aesop's Fables by Translated by Translated by George Fyler Townsend

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

The fables attributed to Aesop were actually composed over the course of many centuries. Aesop is a semilegendary figure, about whom various stories have been told. All that can be known with any certainty about Aesop is that he was a Phrygian slave who was later freed by his Greek master because of the wit and charm of his stories. All other details about Aesop's life appear to have been invented after his death. For example, it is said that Aesop served under two masters, Xanthus and Iadmon, on the island of Samos. After being freed by Iadmon, Aesop is reported to have traveled as far as the Lydian city of Sardis, where he became a favorite of King Croesus (c. 600-546 b.c.e.). Another legend reports that the citizens of Delphi were outraged by Aesop's description of them as mere parasites, living off the wealth of others. To punish Aesop for this insult, the Delphians are said to have hidden a golden bowl among his possessions just before he left the city. When the bowl was discovered, Aesop was convicted of theft and executed by being thrown from a cliff. None of these incidents is likely to have occurred. While the historian Herodotus (c. 484-c. 425 b.c.e.) does describe Iadmon as Aesop's master and says that the former slave was murdered by the Delphians, it must be remembered that Herodotus is not always reliable. In the fourth century b.c.e., the comic poet Alexis wrote a play, Aesop, now lost. Some of the episodes included in later biographical sketches of the author may actually have been derived from this comic work. The stories told by the historical Aesop appear to have been a mix of legends, myths, and political parables. Even in antiquity, however, it was the fable--and, in particular, the animal fable--with which Aesop became most closely associated. More than a hundred animal stories are now attributed to him. Aesop himself was probably responsible for few of the tales that bear his name. He never wrote a book. His stories belonged to the oral tradition. Even as late as the Renaissance, numerous moral fables were still being attributed to Aesop. Many of the fables that later ages believed were written by Aesop were actually the work of Demetrius of Phalerum (c. 350 b.c.e.), Phaedrus (c. 15 b.c.e.-c. 50 c.e.), Babrius (second century c.e.), Avianus (c. 400 c.e.), and Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695). Manuscripts of stories said to have been written by Aesop include legends that vary widely by date, are sometimes composed in Greek and sometimes in Latin, and are arranged not by subject but alphabetically by the first word in the story, hardly a likely categorization system for a storyteller.

How long is Aesop's Fables?

Aesop's Fables by Translated by Translated by George Fyler Townsend is 108 pages long, and a total of 27,864 words.

This makes it 36% the length of the average book. It also has 34% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Aesop's Fables Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 2 hours and 32 minutes to read Aesop's Fables aloud.

What Reading Level is Aesop's Fables?

Aesop's Fables is suitable for students ages 10 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Aesop's Fables?

Aesop's Fables by Translated by Translated by George Fyler Townsend is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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