Les Meilleures Fables de Jean de La Fontaine

Abstract

This large (10" x 7¼") pamphlet makes for fascinating comparison with another copy -- a copy which I found twenty years ago -- that has distinct differences. I am guessing that this copy is later. Its cover has dropped "Jean de" from "La Fontaine" and speaks of "illustrations," not "aquarelles," by R. Perrette. The cover illustration of GA is now printed, not laid on. The covers are of slightly stiffer cardboard. The price seems to be 230 Francs, whereas the earlier copy sold for 25 Francs. The interior illustrations seem to me less sharp than those in the earlier copy. The booklet still has fifteen internal full-page illustrations and two black-and-white designs--the latter for the "fin" page and for the last fable, "Le Coche et la Mouche." Fables included are FS, OF, FC, MSA, GA, "L'Ours et l'Amateur de Jardins," "L'Huitre et les Plaideurs," "Le Laboureur et ses Enfants," OR, WL, "Les Animaux Malades de la Peste," TH, "Le Petit Poisson et le Pecheur," MM, and "Le Chat, la Belette et le Petit Lapin." The bear letting go of the huge stone above the gardener may still make for the best illustration. Verse texts from La Fontaine.