Neuf Fables de la Fontaine

Abstract

I checked quickly to make sure that I did not already have a copy of this booklet of 36 unstapled pages. I found that I have another in the same series, dated 1957. As I wrote then, the frontispiece has room to dedicate this copy to a particular person, here Georges Rogeau, on his birthday. This booklet confirms my guess then that the director of the Club, Dominique Wapler, had this book done in 1959 and then presented it to each of the members of the club during that year on his or her birthday. I guessed then that "the next year he had a different booklet done." Well, here is the book two years later! And it is again La Fontaine as illustrated by Lars Bo. This is again a delightful selection of fables well illustrated. As in the earlier volume, fables tend to have a second sardonic smaller illustration at their end. One of the best illustrations is the first for MSA, in which the son is grown up and not at all attractive! Both first and second illustrations for MM are delightful. Perrette's skirt plays a role in both. Again, both are excellent in "The Cobbler and the Banker." The two characters are wonderfully contrasted in the first: tired shrewdy versus happy, clueless simpleton. The second shows Grégoire running back at night with the bag of money. "The Women and the Secret" is another star. The man is actually holding an egg in his hand while lying in bed; his wife looks on astounded. At the end three housewives huddle to gossip. A final great illustration, the best of a very good lot, shows the wounded dove returning home (35). Other fables here are OR; "The Citizen of the Danube"; and "The Fox and the Bust." I got lucky again, and for a bargain price!