C. F. Gellert (1715-1769) was a German poet. He studied theology at the University of Leipzig where he became professor of literature, philosophy and rhetoric. He wrote in order to raise the religious and moral character of the people. His fables are a great example of this goal. Gellert was highly influenced by the fables of La Fontaine. The illustrations in this book are designed and drawn by the Dutch artist Jacobus Buys (1724-1801). Buys was a student of the Dutch painter Cornelis Troost (1696-1750). After his study Buys became a popular illustrator and started teaching at the ‘Amsterdamse Teekenacademie’, of which he became the director later in life.