Douze Fables de la Fontaine (cover: Fables de la Fontaine)

Abstract

Here is a copy of a book already in the collection, but with one clear difference. In this copy it is No. 1 in the series "Collection du Jeune Age," and the series has four members noted on the inside front-cover. In that other copy, the series has nine members. We have here then an earlier copy. A portion of this booklet has lost its connection with the spine. As I wrote of that later copy, I am tempted to date this book ten years earlier because of the French-German connection of a French publisher printing books in Germany. The cover presents an engaging image of smiling animals grouped around King Lion. Every other page is a strong colored illustration with a line or two of moral. This is one of very few prose editions of La Fontaine's fables that I have seen. Among the best illustrations are those showing the plaid sox of the fox in FC (7). WL (9) sets the contrast well between the big hunter with pistol and knife in his belt and the skirted lamb with a bouquet in her hands. The fox in fine jacket and vest in FG (21) only stands and looks up.