Fables de J. de la Fontaine Illustrées de 120 Gravures

Abstract

Here is Bodemann #341.1, larger and with much more robust illustrations than in the edition of Bernardin-Béchet et Fils (notice the addition there of et Fils, not found on this edition's title-page). There are 432 pages here to the 380 there. The fancy character of this first edition is suggested by the elaborate printer's design featuring BB on the title-page. Gilt on all edges. Heavy watermarked endpapers. Inscribed Mary P. Brayley with an added inscription to Grace W. Brayley 1886. As I mentioned there, I like the images, for example, of the monkey and dolphin (129) and of the miser's hole (146). The illustrations in this edition jump off the page, especially when contrasted with those in the edition a year later. New favorites include the falling astrologer (facing 77) and La Vieille et les deux Servantes (facing 159). These are two of perhaps thirteen intercalated pages with no printing on their obverse. I do not find any remnant of them in the 1869 version. Strangely, one of these thirteen is printed on regular stock, like the normal pages: Le Chat et le Rat (facing 280). I had asked then whether that 1869 edition was a first edition. Now I have the answer by having the first edition from a year earlier! A lucky find on my one morning free in Buffalo.