Description
HarperCollins is proud to present our range of timeless literary classics.
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.
Genres
Released2026
LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperCollins Publishers
ISBN9780008742423
SellerHarperCollins UK
About the author(s)
According to the introduction of Panchatantra, Vishnu Sharma was a wise old brahmin tasked with educating three wayward princes in the mysterious kingdom of Maiden's Delight. He compiles his teachings into this collection of fables with a guarantee to teach the princes the 'art of intelligent living'. The biographical detail of Vishnu Sharma's life is lost to history, with only Panchatantra to speak for him, whether historical figure or literary creation himself.
