Fables de la Fontaine

Abstract

This is a heavy large-format book of 383 pages. There is no T of C or AI. The unusual feature of this presentation of Doré's illustrations is that all are colored, both the smaller title-illustrations and the full-page illustrations. This is the first time that I can remember paying attention to the full-page illustration for La jeune Veuve (191). Cupids play around the casket of the deceased husband, apparently spreading tree-limbs over it to hide it, while the young widow stands in the moonlight with a man. Other strong full-page renditions include L'Avare qui a perdu son trésor (35); Le Lièvre et les Grenouilles (207); Le Mort et le Bûcheron (269); Le petit Poisson et le Pêcheur (301); TMCM (319); FG (332); and Le Singe et le Chat (345). When a fable here moves onto a second page, that page reiterates the fable's title. I find it curious that, while the fables are not in any apparent order, each is marked, at the bottom of the page, with its book and number. The front cover gives an overview of twelve of the full-page colored illustrations. I have enjoyed this book!