Product Description

This text parodies everyone from eminent classical authors and schoolmen to Rabelais's own acquaintances. But the brilliance of the book lies not merely in these learned references, but in the story into which they are woven.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #365755 in Books
• Published on: 1983-02-28
• Original language: French
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 720 pages

Customer Reviews

Very funny medieval toilet humour
Rabelais was a benedictine monk writing in the 16th Century. This hardly sounds like a recommendation for a good read, does it? However, as Rabelais points out, there are two types of monk: those that are abstemious and chaste, and those that drink too much and sleep with as many nuns as possible. He is the latter, and he expects his readers (his 'fellow boozers') to be likewise. 'G&P' is a bawdy romp through the social and religious philosophy of medieval Europe.
Rabelais' humour is often toilet humour. His characters defecate, urinate, belch and fart their way through a series of grotesque fairy tale style adventures. They are obsessed with bodily functions, and with the pursuit of all manner of sensual pleasures in general, be they concerned with sex, drink or eating. Much amusement is drawn from word play arising from the multitude of names for the more unmentionable parts of human anatomy. Women are ferociously denigrated, as is anyone from a different race or creed to the author (more or less). If all of the doesn't sound particularly sophisticated, thats because often it isn't, but it remains very funny, especially when you bear in mind the period during which the book was written and the ocupation of its author.
'G&P' does (sometimes) have a serious point, however, as it lampoons many of the figures and organisations active during that period. Some references are obvious, others oblique, but to be honest it doesn't really matter if they all pass you by. The book (actually 5 books) remains a very good read and a very good laugh. The first, second and fourth parts are brilliant. I found the third (concerning Panurge's worries about his future wife) very dull and the fifth (much of which may not have actually been by Rabelais) very strange. However, this wouldn't stop me heartily recommending this book. It is a cross between Umberto Eco, Grimm's Fairy Tales and 'Carry on Camping', so may not be to everyone's taste, but if you find any of this at all intriguing, then I suggest that you give this book a read.

The single best piece of French literature out there
This book is unparalled in its accomplishment. Francois Rabelais manages to deliver a satire of incredible wit, humor, intrigue, cleverness, and subtleties, while still maintaining a literal story more captivating than any piece of contemporary literature. I give it my highest praise, and recommend it whole-heartedly for anyone interested in the Middle Ages, philosophy, religious satire, French, humor, or just a good read.

A Book For Those Who Love Bawdy and Bathroom Humor
This book is the best one I have ever read for using sexual and execretory references for effective satire. The optimal reader is probably a boy aged 8-13 who loves to explore the world from this perspective already. Older readers will enjoy the social commentary as well, but may not revel in the means of the commentary unless they like extensive references to bodily functions.

The use of the humor in this book is like slapstick is to comedy, its most outrageous and least restrained form.

No one can stay grumpy while reading this book. It may be the only literary solution for depression ever developed.

Obviously, if you can read French, it is even better in the original.

Many people will choose not to read this book because of the earthy nature of the language. That is probably a mistake, because those who make that choice are suffering from the unattractiveness stall, not seeing the swan in the ugly duckling. Earthy humor can be a great way to communicate, in the appropriate circumstances. You owe it to yourself to learn how a master, Rabelais, does it.

As a tip to the reader who has more sensitive tastes, I suggest you skip through to the end of sections that are bothering you. The very next section may well be one that leaves you in uncontrolled laughter, irresistibly lightening your mood.

Have a great laugh!