The Fables of...

An attractive two volume deluxe edition of the Fables of La Fontaine, sensitively illustrated by the often underrated Stephen Gooden, most renowned perhaps for this work and his contribution to the Nonesuch Press Holy Bible (1925-27); he was also a prolific bookplate designer and even had banknote designs taken up by the Bank of England in the 1930s & '50s. The translator Edward Marsh was a well-known patron of literature and the arts, most notably for his recognition and support of the World War I poet Rupert Brooke, to whom this edition is dedicated.

The trade edition of the same was issued in 1933, comprising only twelve plates.

Limited edition, this number 397 of 525 copies signed by the translator & illustrator; 2 vols, large 8vo; half-titles, engraved pictorial titles, each vol. with 12 further engraved plates by Gooden, tissue-guards, edges uncut; publisher's vellum over boards, with original cloth-jackets and slip-cases, vellum a little coloured from jackets, a very nice set.