The gods help them that help themselves...We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified...Appearances are deceptive...These and many other familiar proverbs, and, indeed, many of the moral values that underlie our daily lives were expressed in tales from ancient Greece, attributed to the legendary Aesop. This volume, edited by the celebrated English folklorist Joseph Jacobs, contains a rich selection of these time-honored fables, including "The Fox and the Grapes," "The Old Man and Death," "The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing." "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse," and dozens more. Retold in simple, direct language, with wit and sparkle, the stories offer young readers wonderful lessons about the difference between right and wrong, and many valuable insights into life, both its joys and perils. Over 170 classic illustrations by Richard Heighway bring the text to life.