Fable-Books Printed in the Low Countries.

Abstract

This is an extensive and straightforward bibliography presenting 301 items in very sober fashion. The good introduction by Verwey leads one to hope perhaps for even a bit more of each volume beyond its dry data. The introduction highlights each century's particular gifts. The items are arranged alphabetically, beginning with Aesopus (112 items) and moving through such well known terms and names as Dialogus Creaturarum, Faernus, La Fontaine, and Phaedrus. The reason for choosing 1800 as the closing date is that the use of fables takes a decided turn towards children at this point. The twelve black-and-white plates illustrate some of the better known of these versions. The editor makes a nice choice to put all place-names into English. There are indices at the back of, first, publishers, printers, and booksellers (all grouped by place) and, second, of illustrators.