"Gargantua and Pantagruel" is a series of five novels written by the French author François Rabelais in the 16th century. The story follows the lives of two giants, Gargantua and his son Pantagruel, exploring themes of education, philosophy, and the human condition through humor and satire. The narrative is rich with fantastical elements and social commentary. The novels are known for their playful language and inventive storytelling, reflecting the Renaissance spirit of inquiry and exploration. Rabelais uses the characters' adventures to critique contemporary society, religion, and politics, making the work a significant piece of literature in the Western canon.