Jean de LA FONTAINE. Fables choisies, mises en vers. - Lot 51

Jean de LA FONTAINE. Fables choisies, mises en vers. Paris, Fessard, 1765-1775. 6 volumes in-8, marbled calf, triple gilt fillet, smooth spines decorated with multiple gilt fillets, roulettes, dots and stars, interior roulette, gilt edges (period binding). Cohen, 551 / Reynaud, 281 /// i. LXXI-100 / ii. VI-102 / iii. IV95 / iV. (3f.)-134 / V. (2f.)-103 / Vi. (2f.)-115. A very fine edition, entirely engraved in intaglio. Fessard's illustrations include 6 engraved titles, a frontispiece, a fleuron, 244 hors-texte plates, 243 vignettes and 229 culs-de-lampe after Bardin, Bidault, Caresme, Desrais, Monnet, etc. The text, set within a double fillet frame, is engraved by Montulay and Drouët. A fine copy, despite two damaged headpieces, faded spines and some spotting. Pages VII-X of the first volume are bound between pages II-III.