Cent fables en latin et en françois, choisies des anciens auteurs, mises en vers latin par Gabriel Faerne et traduites par Mr. Perrault

Illustrated first edition. Faerno's verses appeared for the first time in 1564, and Perrault's version in 1699. This edition gives for the first time Faerno's original text followed by Perrault's translation. It is illustrated with a frontispiece by Claude du Bosc representing Aesop among animals, and 100 unsigned headpieces (9 x 11 cm). The preliminary leaves contain some poems by the neo-Latin poet and some letters.

Full aubergine morocco binding from the late 19th century signed Chatelin in the frieze. Richly ornamented spine with raised bands. Title, date and place in gilt. Central framing à la Du Seuil with fleurons in the corners and 4 large fleurons inside the rectangle. Triple fillet frame. Rich interior frieze with fleur-de-lys. Gilt edges. Red peacock-tail paper slipcase with blue felt interior. Perfect freshness of the paper.

Sumptuous copy lavishly bound in a master binding.

Superb work of fables very close in its illustration to emblem books. The book is moreover catalogued as such in several collections of emblems, as emphasized by the art historian Mario Praz, although it is not strictly speaking one.
19th-century engraved bookplate of A. Hornung.