Aristophanes The Birds and The Frogs Author:Aristophanes This is a "turn-around" book. Read one and then turn book over and around to read second one. The Frogs is the oldest literary satire.Illustrations are block engravings by John Austen. The Birds tells the story of two Athenians who think birds should rule the world, and its illustrations are by Marian Parry. Book is in its original case.