Fables choisies, mises en vers par M de la Fontaine

Abstract

A prize and a surprise. Here is a fine facsimile of the first six books that La Fontaine published together in 1668. Two pages of notes at the conclusion name the differences from the authorized version of 1678 and 1679. There is an AI at the front, along with the dedication, preface, and life of Aesop. Each fable (except the second of double-fables and the last two) receives a small (2.5 x 2 ) illustration. Perhaps I expected too much from such a classic, but they are disappointing: small, uninspired, derivative, and stylized. The best of them might be I 14 (the palace crumbles), III 1 (MSA), and V 12 (Les Medecins). Both text and illustration are strong in VI 8 ( Le Vieillard & l'Asne ); I think the real point here is that any master is our enemy. The illustration for II 13 may miss the point; the star-specialist here is looking at something in his hand. III 14 shows difficulty in depicting a lion's head. There seem to be horizontal and vertical lines across the engravings; are these in the original or the facsimile? I cut the pages of this book. I find it a frail treasure!