Fables de M. de Florian

Abstract

As was true of the LaFontaine edition I have from the same publisher, I cannot find this work in Bodemann, though Pauquet is mentioned four times there for other editions. There is no mention in Bodemann of either Emy or Delarue. The book is inscribed in Geneva in 1870. It was a surprise find at the end of a visit to the Second Story warehouse; it was among the rare books near the check-out desk. The end-papers are marbled. There is an AI at the back after 165 pages of fables. I am surprised that the avant-propos finishes on Roman xx, and the first fable begins on the next page, labelled Arabic 9. There are the usual five books of Florian's fables, each with twenty-two fables, with seven partial-page black-and-white designs for every book. The engravings are often signed Coste or Jardin. The book measures about 4½ x 7. Among the liveliest of the illustrations is the frontispiece depicting Le Charlatan. At the end are the usual copies of Ruth and Tobias.