Parapilla, poëme en cinq chants by Charles Bordes
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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.
This book is widely considered to be in the public domain. Access is open to everyone around the world.
Elijah King
4 weeks agoAfter finishing this book, the clarity of the writing makes this accessible. Exceeded all my expectations.
Joseph Perez
10 months agoFast paced, good book.
Thomas Hill
1 year agoI have to admit, it manages to explain difficult concepts in plain English. Truly inspiring.
Steven Gonzalez
9 months agoAfter hearing about this author multiple times, the atmosphere created is totally immersive. Exceeded all my expectations.
Thomas Gonzalez
1 year agoUsed this for my thesis, incredibly useful.