Fables in Slang by George Ade

A witty, irreverent classic of American humor that turns everyday life into timeless satire.

In Fables in Slang, George Ade offers a sharp and playful take on the traditional fable, replacing talking animals with sharply drawn human characters and moral lessons with biting social commentary. First published in 1899, this collection captures the quirks, pretensions, and follies of turn-of-the-century American life—told in the colorful, colloquial “slang” of the day.

Each fable ends with a humorous twist and a mock-moral that skewers everything from ambition and vanity to romance and respectability. Ade’s distinctive voice and comic sensibility made him a favorite of Mark Twain’s era and a pioneer of American satirical writing.

Perfect for fans of classic humor, Americana, and short-form storytelling that still feels fresh and funny today.