Fables d'Ésope

Abstract

This large-format book offers twenty-six Aesopic fables with a distinctive illustration for each. The art makes abundant use of big spaces to make its good points about the fables. In twenty-four of the cases here, that means a full page of illustration. In the other two, it means a double-page. Both of those double-page illustrations are strong: The Stag at the Pool and the Lion (46-47) and Goat and Wolf (60-61). Other strong illustrations include WC (17); The Lion and the Hare (25, with a detail repeated on the title-page); The Tortoise and the Eagle (27); DS (35); and FG (51). Martin has a style all its own. It shows some dependency, I would say, on Art Deco. I am happy to see the French pay some attention to Aesop!