KRYLOV, Ivan Andreevich (1768-1844). Fables Russes. [Basni Ruskiia.] Paris: Bossange, 1825. 2 vols., 8° (220 x 135mm). Text in Russian, French and Italian. Engraved portrait frontispiece and 5 engraved plates. (Some spotting, small dampstain in the bottom margin of some leave.) Original printed wrappers preserved in early 20th-century green quarter morocco (wrappers lightly soiled). Provenance: Henri Leblanc (sale description laid in).

KRYLOV, Ivan Andreevich (1768-1844). Fables Russes. [Basni Ruskiia.] Paris: Bossange, 1825. 2 vols., 8° (220 x 135mm). Text in Russian, French and Italian. Engraved portrait frontispiece and 5 engraved plates. (Some spotting, small dampstain in the bottom margin of some leave.) Original printed wrappers preserved in early 20th-century green quarter morocco (wrappers lightly soiled). Provenance: Henri Leblanc (sale description laid in).

First French edition. Published under the aegis of Count Orlov, this edition shows the Russian original with facing translations in French and Italian by various authors. According to Quérard the literary elite of both countries (Ségur, De L'Isle, etc.) collaborated on the translation; 'the work is the first and only to offer such a varied and such a precious gathering of distinguished talents'. Rare: ABPC records only one copy sold at auction. Fekula 4857; Quérard IV, 318. (2)