A retelling of some of the stories of Reynard the Fox, edited for children. Illustrated with pen drawings; artist not stated.

The story of "Reynard the fox" is quite different from any of the stories which have gone before it. For this story was written by some very clever man hundreds of years ago, in Germany, in order to attack a clever rogue of a man who had cheated and lied and made his way by ruining his neighbours. We need not trouble ourselves about this "political satire," as it is called, when we are reading the story. It is an interesting story as it is written, and 1t has amused and interested millions of men and women and children who lived long ago and are now dead. But, whereas in all the other stories you have read the wicked people are punished in the end, in this case the wicked one comes off triumphantly. ... This is very sad, but unfortunately, in this respect, very much more true to real life. As you will find when you come to look about you in the world, the good people are not always triumphant, nor are the bad ones always punished - at least, not in this world. ... There are many Reynards in this world who make their living by their wits, and you will come across some of them sooner or later. When you do, remember the fate of Bruin the bear and of Hintze the wild cat, and do not let them lead you into temptation by appealing to your selfishness. - [Introduction]

Language: English