Parapilla, poëme en cinq chants by Charles Bordes

(5 User reviews)   3705
By John White Posted on Jan 3, 2026
In Category - Aviation
Bordes, Charles, 1711-1781 Bordes, Charles, 1711-1781
French
Ever heard of a poem that’s basically an 18th-century roast? That’s 'Parapilla' in a nutshell. This weird and wonderful book from 1711 follows a hapless knight named Parapilla on a quest that’s less about glory and more about getting dunked on by everyone he meets. It’s a satirical adventure where the hero is his own worst enemy, stumbling through a world that finds him utterly ridiculous. If you like your classics with a big dose of humor and a hero you can’t help but laugh at, this forgotten gem is a total surprise.
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I stumbled upon this book purely by accident while digging through old catalogues, and what a find it turned out to be. Published in 1711, it feels like a secret joke from the past.

The Story

The story follows Parapilla, a knight who is, to put it kindly, not the sharpest sword in the armory. He sets out on a grand quest across five 'chants' (or songs), each one a new chapter of his misadventures. He faces absurd challenges, from comical monsters to pompous nobles, but the real conflict is often Parapilla's own inflated sense of self clashing with a reality that finds him hopelessly out of his depth. It's less an epic and more a series of hilarious, sometimes cringe-worthy, setbacks.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was the tone. This isn't a stuffy, moralizing poem. It's playful and sharp. Charles Bordes writes with a wink, poking fun at the heroic tropes of his time through a character who is blissfully unaware of his own folly. You're not meant to admire Parapilla; you're meant to see a bit of that stubborn, misguided pride in all of us and have a good laugh about it. The language is rich but the humor is timeless.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy historical satire like Candide or just love finding quirky, forgotten stories. It's for anyone who thinks old literature has to be serious. This book proves that 300 years ago, people still loved a good, humbling joke at the hero's expense. A short, surprising, and genuinely funny read from a voice that still feels fresh.



📚 Usage Rights

This book is widely considered to be in the public domain. Access is open to everyone around the world.

Thomas Gonzalez
1 year ago

Used this for my thesis, incredibly useful.

Elijah King
4 weeks ago

After finishing this book, the clarity of the writing makes this accessible. Exceeded all my expectations.

Joseph Perez
10 months ago

Fast paced, good book.

Thomas Hill
1 year ago

I have to admit, it manages to explain difficult concepts in plain English. Truly inspiring.

Steven Gonzalez
9 months ago

After hearing about this author multiple times, the atmosphere created is totally immersive. Exceeded all my expectations.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (5 User reviews )

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