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Two Fables
A superb copy, unclipped and unmarked.
61 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
3 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,470 books26.6k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 19, 2011
The first fable is about a physically ugly man who saves a beautiful princess from harm and who is granted the right by the king to take any woman in the kingdom he wishes. The wise king foresees the inevitable conclusion and true love's path...
The second fable is much more sinister involving another princess and king. This princess is also beautiful but incredibly vain and uses her beauty to her own ends. When she is given the chance of taking over the throne by poisoning her father, she takes the advice of a mysterious beggar who gives her the poison. But who is the beggar really...?
The legendary Roald Dahl puts together a very slim volume of two very short stories. If you've read Dahl before you'll know the verve with which he tells any story and the wicked sense of humour he possesses making for any story he writes worth reading. Two Fables is no exception and, though hard to find and quick to read, if you can find a copy then snap it up. It's great fun from a master storyteller.
The second fable is much more sinister involving another princess and king. This princess is also beautiful but incredibly vain and uses her beauty to her own ends. When she is given the chance of taking over the throne by poisoning her father, she takes the advice of a mysterious beggar who gives her the poison. But who is the beggar really...?
The legendary Roald Dahl puts together a very slim volume of two very short stories. If you've read Dahl before you'll know the verve with which he tells any story and the wicked sense of humour he possesses making for any story he writes worth reading. Two Fables is no exception and, though hard to find and quick to read, if you can find a copy then snap it up. It's great fun from a master storyteller.
February 25, 2017
Malá knižôčka, formátu A5 s niekoľkými stranami čiernobielych obrázkov na podporenie príbehu. Človek by povedal, že hahaha, ľahké čítanie na pár minút (mne to zabralo necelých 14 minút), ale to nie je to čo je podstatné na tejto knihe. Je to vlastne veľmi nepodstatné, či má dielo 60 strán alebo 600.
Toto je vlastne moje prvé stretnutie s autorom a veľmi vydarené je. Kým prvý príbeh rozpráva o mladom mužovi, ktorý je na okraji spoločnosti kvôli svojmu vzhľadu a potom vďaka šťastnej náhode sa dostane priamo na kráľovský dvor ako odmenu za záchranu života princeznej. A aj napriek tomu všetkým výsadám, človeka, ktorý hľadá porozumenie a lásku nemôže byť šťastný. A práve to zaimponuje princeznej, že konečne je tam niekto, koho nezaujímajú obvyklé podliezačky, lichôtky a zaliečanie.
A ten druhý príbeh? Ten je tiež o tom, že nadobudnutie vecí a schopností, ktoré nevieme ovládať nám môže uškodiť. Kým v prvom príbehu, nadobudnutie statusu na kráľovskom dvore, nezmenilo charakter hlavného hrdinu, v druhom je ukázaný presný opak, kde moc krásy úplne ovládne hlavnú hrdinku až natoľko, že sa obráti proti ostatným. A jej koniec? Ten veru nie je vôbec šťastný.... ale aký presne je, je ukrytý na posledných stránkach knihy.
Keď teraz spisujem tie pocity, musím povedať, že určitým spôsobom mi oba príbehy pripomínajú Ezopove bájky s morálnym posolstvom aj keď sa odohrávajú priamo vo svete ľudí.
Toto je vlastne moje prvé stretnutie s autorom a veľmi vydarené je. Kým prvý príbeh rozpráva o mladom mužovi, ktorý je na okraji spoločnosti kvôli svojmu vzhľadu a potom vďaka šťastnej náhode sa dostane priamo na kráľovský dvor ako odmenu za záchranu života princeznej. A aj napriek tomu všetkým výsadám, človeka, ktorý hľadá porozumenie a lásku nemôže byť šťastný. A práve to zaimponuje princeznej, že konečne je tam niekto, koho nezaujímajú obvyklé podliezačky, lichôtky a zaliečanie.
A ten druhý príbeh? Ten je tiež o tom, že nadobudnutie vecí a schopností, ktoré nevieme ovládať nám môže uškodiť. Kým v prvom príbehu, nadobudnutie statusu na kráľovskom dvore, nezmenilo charakter hlavného hrdinu, v druhom je ukázaný presný opak, kde moc krásy úplne ovládne hlavnú hrdinku až natoľko, že sa obráti proti ostatným. A jej koniec? Ten veru nie je vôbec šťastný.... ale aký presne je, je ukrytý na posledných stránkach knihy.
Keď teraz spisujem tie pocity, musím povedať, že určitým spôsobom mi oba príbehy pripomínajú Ezopove bájky s morálnym posolstvom aj keď sa odohrávajú priamo vo svete ľudí.
May 31, 2013
What an extraordinary writer Dahl was. With both children's fiction and adult fiction he paid not the slightest heed to political correctness and his work demonstrates not a hint of squeamishness. I wish I could be so fearless... sometimes. These stories had me glued to the page. They were over so swiftly, I could have done with a few more.
August 11, 2018
Dos pequeñas historias que demuestran el excelente contador de historias que es Roald Dahl. Y su marca distintiva: finales inesperados que siempre dejan perplejo al lector...
April 21, 2021
Extrémně krátká knížka, ale obě pohádky mě bavily a o to jde.
Oni i dospělí mají někdy nárok na pohádku, ne?
Oni i dospělí mají někdy nárok na pohádku, ne?
February 27, 2017
Fantastic. Absolutely wonderful.
August 13, 2020
Most people know Roald Dahl as the master children's storyteller of classics such as James and The Giant Peach, Matilda, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. There is another side of his writing career and that is his shot works written for adults. Two Fables is the meeting of these two sides of him into one collection.
The two stories in this book, "The Princess and the Poacher" and "Princess Mammalia" are traditional fables in style and theme, but have that dirty old man air of Dahl's adult fiction often contains. By using a child's format, he is able to blend what are essentially child's lessons re-imagined for adults into stories that appeal to grown-ups.
Both stories deal with the idea of beauty, or complete lack of beauty, and the power that it wields. It also about the careless passions of youth and righteousness of civility. A quick, fun, and interesting read.
The two stories in this book, "The Princess and the Poacher" and "Princess Mammalia" are traditional fables in style and theme, but have that dirty old man air of Dahl's adult fiction often contains. By using a child's format, he is able to blend what are essentially child's lessons re-imagined for adults into stories that appeal to grown-ups.
Both stories deal with the idea of beauty, or complete lack of beauty, and the power that it wields. It also about the careless passions of youth and righteousness of civility. A quick, fun, and interesting read.
May 11, 2025
A very brief book containing two short stories of decidedly non-typical fairytail fodder. The content won't surprise you if you've read many of Dahl's adult short stories - it's sex.
The first is a little more on the risqué side that the second, and had a similar vibe to My Uncle Oswald in its debauchery. It was also the funnier of the two, and perhaps seemed more like a typical fable, although the ending I thought was a little weak.
Princess Mammalia was more reminiscent of a tragic myth than fable, and had a neater theme and ending, but a looser plot. It reminded me more of the other short stories of Dahl's, with the sting in the tail, although it was a fairly obvious one.
I think both could've been better if more fleshed out, but short as they are, they're only mildly interesting. Finding this does mean I have very nearly read everything of his, though, so I'm pleased at that.
The first is a little more on the risqué side that the second, and had a similar vibe to My Uncle Oswald in its debauchery. It was also the funnier of the two, and perhaps seemed more like a typical fable, although the ending I thought was a little weak.
Princess Mammalia was more reminiscent of a tragic myth than fable, and had a neater theme and ending, but a looser plot. It reminded me more of the other short stories of Dahl's, with the sting in the tail, although it was a fairly obvious one.
I think both could've been better if more fleshed out, but short as they are, they're only mildly interesting. Finding this does mean I have very nearly read everything of his, though, so I'm pleased at that.
September 27, 2024
I was excited to find an example of Roald Dahl's darker material intended for adults at the library, and it was a breezy quick read. I loved the second of the fables but kind of hated the first one, as I found it unnecessarily mean without much of a point. Regardless, both stories were vividly painted and easy to imagine from start to finish - this author really has a command of effective storytelling!
December 15, 2024
Two short stories on how beauty and power can influence a person's mind. I liked the Princess and the poacher - even though it starts with a sad note but ends with a beautiful message. Princess Mammalia shows a great deal on with power comes a great responsibility.
A nice and quick read but missing the illustrations from Q. Blake.
A nice and quick read but missing the illustrations from Q. Blake.
July 31, 2019
Volevo leggere qualcosa di leggero prima di andare a dormire, e ho optato per questi due racconti. Che dire...i finali, i finali sono davvero fantastici, sopratutto nel secondo racconto!!
Buone Letture
Buone Letture
December 9, 2020
Two unexpected fairy tale type stories.
In the first story given Dahl's predilection for sexcapades I fully expected the first story to include a rape but Dahl surprised me and the story was interesting. The second was also interesting and very Dahl but much more like the fairy tales of old.
In the first story given Dahl's predilection for sexcapades I fully expected the first story to include a rape but Dahl surprised me and the story was interesting. The second was also interesting and very Dahl but much more like the fairy tales of old.
March 26, 2024
Dos pequeñas e inesperadas historias que demuestran el gran contador de historias que fue Roald Dahl, que con mínimas pinceladas nos regalan dos fábulas cortas que reflexionan sobre la belleza, el poder y la bondad de sus personajes. Me quedó con "La princesa y el cazador furtivo"
August 27, 2017
A fifteen minute read of two enjoyable stories.
September 19, 2017
bolo to zaujímavé
December 17, 2017
Oproti půvabu této rozkošné knížečky jsem nezůstala imunní. Má mě ve své moci. Jsem čtenářský otrok.
June 3, 2020
Princess and the Poacher - 4 stars.
Princess Mammalia - 5 stars. World-class story.
4.5 on average! :)
Princess Mammalia - 5 stars. World-class story.
4.5 on average! :)
March 12, 2021
Enjoyable enough, and what I expected.
I liked the pictures!
I liked the pictures!
March 12, 2021
A clever, short read.
November 7, 2021
DARK STORIES
October 25, 2023
Read in 2023: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
-The Princess and the Poacher: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Princess Mammalia: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
-The Princess and the Poacher: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Princess Mammalia: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 1, 2023
An appetizer for Fans who feast on Roald Dahl. Two simple, sardonic, satisfying stories about the hazards of beauty and power. Dahl is always ready with a twist on the expected.
March 29, 2024
Twee fabeltjes die Dahl voor zijn eigen plezier schijnt te hebben geschreven, zijn toch wel weer komisch met op het eind een leuk absurd plot.
June 30, 2024
Two too short fables. Finally found the PDF copy floating around.
August 3, 2024
Only Roald Dahl can convert princess-y fairytale settings to dark and twisted ones 👸
October 12, 2024
Quick read that left me wondering what I just read and laughing.
January 3, 2025
Alucino con la segunda fábula, La princesa Mamalia. Qué barbaridad. Ha sido uno de mis favoritos de todos sus relatos.
October 5, 2022
Love the writing style and change of setting from most of Dahl's tales, but I thought the plots were a little lacking compared to much of what he has written.
February 19, 2022
2022 Reading Challenge Prompt 6:
A small book
These two stories were incredibly Dahlesque, squeamish and fickle in the details. However, unlike Dahl’s other work like his iconic children’s novels or macabre collection of short stories, Tales of the Unexpected, Two Fables lacked the “big picture pizzazz” I so desperately want to read when I pick up one of his texts.
A small book
These two stories were incredibly Dahlesque, squeamish and fickle in the details. However, unlike Dahl’s other work like his iconic children’s novels or macabre collection of short stories, Tales of the Unexpected, Two Fables lacked the “big picture pizzazz” I so desperately want to read when I pick up one of his texts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews