Fables Choisies, Mises en Vers par J. de la Fontaine. Tome Premier

Abstract

Bodemann #135.10. She calls it a changed reproduction of an edition going back to 1759 in Paris. See my comments on the second, third, and fourth volumes. This acquisition marks the completion of the set. I had started by finding the second and fourth volumes in 2000. When I found the third volume in February of this year, I went out and searched for a copy of the first volume. Here it is! Perhaps three-quarters of the fables have an interpaginated full-page illustration. There are fifty-eight such illustrations in all. The designs of the illustrations are clearly influenced by Oudry. In them classical columns, statuary, and clouds seem ubiquitous. The illustrations are titled and numbered consecutively (rather than by book and fable). Among my favorites are La Lice et sa Compagne (51) and MSA (79). Pages 3 and 4 have been repaired; the missing corner does affects text but not an illustration. There is a T of C for the three books in this volume at its end. This book is a fine little treasure.