Fables de La Fontaine
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Authors
Gall, Jean
de La Fontaine, Jean
Issue Date
2005
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Type
Book, Whole
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Abstract
This book and its original make for fascinating comparisons. This is a sturdy hardcover book of some 253 pages with attractive red-ink renditions of Lambert's TMCM and FG on its front and back covers, with the same illustrations repeated on the dust-jacket. We seem to have here the full complement of illustrations that appeared in Lambert's original 1870 edition. The approach to his engravings here is different, however, in several ways. First, they are done in red ink rather than black. Secondly, they cover the full page, with absolutely no margin on any side. Lambert's original illustrations always had room around them. Thirdly, the illustrations here are cropped. Often the cropping leaves out part or all of what may give the most wit to Lambert's work, that is, the extra symbol added in space near the top of an engraving. These symbols are missing from two of the first three illustrations. FC (17) is missing the censor blowing smoke, and OF (19) the exploded frog up in the air with a ribbon reading vanitas swirling around him. I am glad to see that the symbol is still there for DW (21): a bird escaping his cage. I had written of Lambert's illustrations that most seem simple, direct, dull, and predictable. There is both a T of C and an AI at the back. Jean Gall's introduction helps to situate Lambert historically.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Editions Molière
Éditions Molière
Éditions Molière
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DOI
Identifier
6358 (Access ID)