LA FONTAINE, Jean de (1621-1695). Fables and Tales. London: for A. Bettsworth and C. Hitch, and C. Davis, 1734.
8° (197 x 119 mm). Parallel French and English texts. Contemporary calf, double-gilt rules, old red paper label hand-lettered in white (bookplate removed from pastedown, extremities worn). Provenance: “E.D.” (early ownership inkstamp on front free endpaper).
FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH. “As the greatest part of our Author’s Tales are not fit for the Perusal of Youth, I have interspers’d his Fables with such Pieces only of that Sort, as cannot offend the chastest ear. However, three or four of a more ludicrous Turn are thrown in at the End, which I introduc’d by way of Appendix, that such Masters as shall use this Volume for their Pupils, may order those Tales to be left out, in case they think proper” (The Preface). ESTC notes that the printer’s ornaments are those used by William Bowyer.
LA FONTAINE, Jean de (1621-1695). Fables and Tales. London: for A. Bettsworth and C. Hitch, and C. Davis, 1734.
8° (197 x 119 mm). Parallel French and English texts. Contemporary calf, double-gilt rules, old red paper label hand-lettered in white (bookplate removed from pastedown, extremities worn). Provenance: “E.D.” (early ownership inkstamp on front free endpaper).
FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH. “As the greatest part of our Author’s Tales are not fit for the Perusal of Youth, I have interspers’d his Fables with such Pieces only of that Sort, as cannot offend the chastest ear. However, three or four of a more ludicrous Turn are thrown in at the End, which I introduc’d by way of Appendix, that such Masters as shall use this Volume for their Pupils, may order those Tales to be left out, in case they think proper” (The Preface). ESTC notes that the printer’s ornaments are those used by William Bowyer.
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