Keywords: French Literature, Illustrated Book, Antique Book, Hachette, French Book, Engravings, 19th Century, Fables, Book Illustration, Paris, Prize Binding

Summary:
Jean de La Fontaine (French, 1621–1695), Fables de La Fontaine avec les dessins de Gustave Doré. Paris: Librairie Hachette et Cie, 1890. Illustrated edition of La Fontaine’s celebrated fables featuring numerous full-page and text illustrations after Gustave Doré (French, 1832–1883). Bound in red cloth with elaborate gilt lettering and decoration to the front cover and gilt titling to the spine.

The volume includes a portrait of Jean de La Fontaine and richly detailed illustrations accompanying the fables, including animal, landscape and figurative subjects characteristic of Doré’s work. The back bears a gilt prize inscription reading ‘Prix d’Honneur offert par M. le Gouverneur Général à Mademoiselle Marie Lamenthe’, awarded for excellence in work and conduct.

Published by Librairie Hachette et Cie, 79 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, 1890.

Measurement: 14 3/4 x 11 1/2 x 2 in. (37.5 x 29.2 x 5.1 cm.) approx

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