Description:
First Edition. The large paper, or quarto, issues. "Livre bien illustrate" - Cohen-De Ricci. Two Volumes. Small 4to (24.5 * 20 cm.) Fables, Vol I, Printed for J. Tonson and J. Watts (London), 1727, pp. (xiv), 173, vignette title & 51 copper-plate vignettes engraved by Fourdrinier, Van der Bucht & Baron after Kent, Wooton & Motte. Fables, Vol II, Printed for J. and P. Kanpton and T. Cox (London), 1738, pp. (Viii), 155, frontispiece, vignette title & 16 full-page illustrations engraved by Scotin after Gravelot. Exquisitely bound in full crushed morocco by Riviere & Sons, the spines & dentelles richly gilt, rich purple endpapers.A little rubbing to the bindings, otherwise a fine copy, presenting beautifully on the shelf.
"The Fables of Gay have ever been esteemed for their easy flow of versification for their wit and humour and for containing a considerable portion of moral and worldly instruction. They are not, however, without a very considerable portion of alloy." (Plumtre, 1823, iii).
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