“Los ratones y el cuervo” by Sebastián Mey (1613). The fable between tradition and innovation in a paper book

Abstract

This essay presents Sebastián Mey’s book, Fabulario (1613), and studies particularly “Los ratones y el cuervo”, the last of the animal stories in the collection. This fable shows an interesting elaboration of classical sources and a new ending, opening several interpretations. Characters are two mice, a crow, and a frog. The analysis establishes links between this fable and the whole book. The Fabulario has also been the first children’s literature book in Spain: that’s why the essay also pays attention to graphic elements in this first edition of the volume.