The Panchatantra (Collins Classics)

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Better the sensible enemy than the foolish friend

The greed of a lion outwitted by a fox; the mercy shown to an elephant by a group of mice; the quick wit of the monkey who escapes a crocodile, the tragedy of the Brahmin and the mongoose… At once funny and wise, this celebrated collection of ancient Indian fables has instructed and entertained for centuries.

Sly jackals, gullible fish and clever crows abound in the Panchatantra, one of the world’s most translated and imitated texts. Inspiring storytellers from medieval Europe to Bollywood, these timeless stories supply practical counsel, satirical observation and enduring human truths.