DORÉ, Gustave (1832-1883), illustrator -- FONTAINE, Jean de La (1621-1695). Fables de La Fontaine. Paris: L. Hachette et Cie, 1867.

2 volumes, folio (428 x 311 mm). Half-titles printed in red and black, engraved portrait frontispiece, borders and titles printed in red, 85 wood-engraved plates by Doré printed on chine paper and mounted, numerous engraved vignettes, and engraved head-and-tailpieces. (Some spotting, a few short tears not affecting plates or text.) Contemporary half morocco gilt, marbled boards, spines in 7 compartments with 6 raised bands gilt (some light wear). Provenance: Librarie Tulkens (ticket, Brussels, Belgium).

Second edition, first issue, the "Edition De Luxe" in two volumes, including the first appearance of the engraved portrait frontispiece. The first edition of this work was issued serially in 58 parts starting 1866. As an artist prodigy, by the age of 15, Doré was employed as a caricaturist for Le journal pour rire. By the time he created the wood-engravings for this present work, he had been working in the medium for over 2 decades. Lyons, Books: A Living History, 2011.

Property from the Collection of Norman and Florence Blitch

DORÉ, Gustave (1832-1883), illustrator -- FONTAINE, Jean de La (1621-1695). Fables de La Fontaine. Paris: L. Hachette et Cie, 1867.

DORÉ, Gustave (1832-1883), illustrator -- FONTAINE, Jean de La (1621-1695). Fables de La Fontaine. Paris: L. Hachette et Cie, 1867.