About this book
Vice in Its Proper Shape, this delightfully dark 18th-century cautionary tale, presents a fantastical moral lesson wrapped in humor and wonder. Through the mysterious wisdom of Mr. Wiseman, a Brahmin with a peculiar gift, young listeners discover what becomes of naughty boys and girls who surrender to vice and misbehavior.
Drawing on the ancient philosophical concept of transmigration of souls—the belief that human spirits can be reborn into animal bodies—this instructional fiction explores the consequences of poor choices. Mr. Wiseman unveils a remarkable collection of creatures, each inhabited by the soul of a once-misbehaving child who died in the neighborhood. A vain girl becomes a peacock, a greedy boy transforms into a pig, and other naughty masters and misses take on animal forms that perfectly reflect their dispositions.
Originally published in 1789 by Isaiah Thomas in Worcester, Massachusetts, this early American classic blends imaginative storytelling with moral instruction in a way that entertained and enlightened young audiences for generations. The witty transformations and memorable lessons make vice and its consequences impossible to ignore.
Perfect for young listeners who enjoy moral tales with a twist of humor and imagination, Vice in Its Proper Shape remains a charming reminder that character matters—even when told through the eyes of peculiar animals and philosophical Brahmins.
