Gargantua and Pantagruel

"Gargantua and Pantagruel" is a series of five novels written by François Rabelais in the 16th century. It is a satirical chronicle of the adventures of two giants, Gargantua and his son Pantagruel, and is known for its humorous, extravagant, and sometimes grotesque storytelling. The narrative is rich with parodies, puns, and jokes.
Gargantua, the father, is depicted as a character of immense physical and intellectual appetites, symbolizing the Renaissance's thirst for knowledge and exploration. His story is often seen as a celebration of the humanist values of the time.
Pantagruel, his son, is equally gigantic and shares his father's traits but is portrayed as more thoughtful and less indulgent. His travels and encounters, including with the wise fool Panurge, form the heart of the later books.
The series is renowned for its vivid and imaginative language, its blend of realism with fantasy, and its exploration of themes such as education, law, politics, and religion. Rabelais' work is seen as a precursor to the modern novel and remains influential for its innovative use of language and its critical, often comedic, examination of society and human nature.