This book is Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais. This specific edition was published by William Benton for Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. in 1952.It is part of the Great Books of the Western World series, specifically Volume 24.The translation provided in this version is by Sir Thomas Urquhart and Peter Motteux.
About the Book
  • The Story: It chronicles the grotesque and fantastical adventures of two giants—Gargantua and his son Pantagruel—and their companion, the cunning rogue Panurge.
  • Themes: Rabelais uses humor and satire to critique medieval society, focusing on the hypocrisy of the church, outdated educational systems, and political folly.
  • Legacy: The work is a cornerstone of Renaissance literature, known for its "Pantagruelism"—a philosophy of enjoying life and maintaining a "gaiety of mind" despite misfortunes.
This Specific Edition
  • Publisher: It was published by Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., originally in 1952, as part of a 54-volume set curated by Mortimer Adler and Robert Hutchins.
  • Translation: This version uses the classic 17th-century translation by Sir Thomas Urquhart and Peter Motteux, which is celebrated for capturing Rabelais's inventive and ribald language.
  • Design Note: Some readers find these editions challenging due to their small font and double-column layout, designed to fit massive works into a single volume.