There are few writers who have had such an influence on the world of literature as François Rabelais. His humanist viewpoint and use of satire are reflected in authors from William Shakespeare to James Joyce. Rabelais was also a polyglot, and introduced a great number of new words into the French language. Born in France in the late 15th Century, Rabelais was a monk and a medical doctor. His writing was complex, innovative and often shocking. He exposed the follies and overindulgences of his times; in particular, he poked fun at corrupt monasticism, but crooked lawyers and greedy physicians also feature in his work. “Gargantua and Pantagruel” is an amusing and extravagant story about a giant and his son. It is contained in four volumes and a disputed 5th book and is considered to be one of the first forms of the modern novel. Published by The Bibliophilist Society in 1935/36. Good condition. Binding intact apart from a very slight tear on the bottom of the spine.