The Fable of the Bees

Nov 29, 2025 10:18 AM

Author:Bernard Mandeville,Phillip Harth

A physician with a particular interest in psychological disorders and satirist, Mandeville published versions of his notorious Fable of the Bees from 1714 to 1732. Each was a defence and elaboration of his short satirical poem The Angry Hive, 1705. The version of the Fable of 1723 and 1732 are the fullest defences of his early paradox that social benefit is the unintended consequence of personal vice. It is an argument that is generally held to lie behind Adam Smith's doctrine of the 'hidden hand' of economic development.

Reviews

Filled with darkness and evil, excitement and awe, this is a must for lovers of fantasy

—— Good Book Guide

Wonderful . . . a real page turner, the best adventure tale you'll ever read

—— Scottish Sunday Herald

It will break your heart and nourish your soul...No one can evoke deep feeling with such a light touch as Marian Keyes

—— Nigella Lawson

Funny, heartbreaking and so wise

—— Daily Mail

Has all of Keyes's trademark wit, humour and whip-smart dialogue

—— Observer

Perceptive, hilarious and moving

—— Daily Record

Funny, heartbreaking and achingly real

—— Jane Fallon

No author marries heartbreak and hilarity so seamlessly

—— Mail on Sunday

Funny, tender and completely absorbing

—— Graham Norton

Charming, funny and poignant. But also profound, heartbreaking

—— Nina Stibbe

Keyes at her best: capturing everyday voices with humour and empathy with writing that you'll devour in a weekend. Just pure and simple joy

—— Stylist

High quality entertainment

—— Marie Claire

It takes real talent to make a reader laugh and cry … the story will stay with you long after you've read the last page

—— Heat

Keyes writes brilliantly, as always, about love, grief, jealousy and friendship

—— Daily Mail

The jokes are as good as ever, Keyes' large cast of Irish and American characters fizz and crackle off the page. High quality entertainment

—— Marie Claire

The novel is a rare blend of genres, a richly enjoyable satire and an inspirational tale of one woman's triumph over despair

—— Daily Telegraph

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