The complete manuscript of the Fables of Fontaine established under Napoleon by a prisoner whose identity is not reached us, interned in Pinerolo (Piedmont), does not leave to intrigue historians and bibliophiles.

The set was written on laid paper with two rolls of strong consist of multiple segments bonded to each other with a total length of 250 meters (800 feet) and 3 centimeters wide.
Indication probably later in pencil revealing the author's condition, the place and year of his detention.
Beautiful writing in black ink on two lines then, the titles are rubricated a grid in red ink, we find on the back of a handwritten graduation old regime foot (32.48 cm).

The only evidence is that the editor was a very educated man as the spelling is neat and regular. He had access to paper and a writing material (feathers and black and red inks) of high quality which suggests that it was an important prisoner. Did he know the text by heart? Were there personal books or the opportunity to consult in a library? Was he a political prisoner? Was it French? We do not know. So why the prisoner wrote this in the strange shape? Maybe he has wanted as Sade conceal his captors in the interstices of a wall.

See all the photos here.