Gargantua and Pantagruel, Book 2

The narrative follows the whimsical adventures of two giants, Gargantua and his son Pantagruel, blending humor, satire, and erudition. Rabelais employs rich wordplay and introduces numerous new terms to the French language, showcasing his linguistic prowess. The work's bold themes and vulgarity led to its condemnation by censors, reflecting the tensions of the era leading up to the French Wars of Religion. It stands out for its extravagant style, often drawing comparisons to the literary achievements of Shakespeare and Joyce.