This is a study of a curious and neglected facet of literature, in which the author traces the development and the uses of fable in Euopean literature, from Aesop and the Greeks to the revival of fable in contemporary fiction. This is the first serious study of fable in literature.

H.J. Blackham is widely known for his philosophical works, which include 'Six Existentialist Thinkers', 'Religion in Modern Society' and 'Humanism'.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1 The Fable in Literature
2 Renart to Volpone
3 Olympians at Play
4 Modern Instances
5 The Medium
6 The Message
Notes
References and sources
Index