Fables of La Fontaine by Gustave Doré

480 Pages, Hardcover

30cm x 22.5cm x 4.5cm

Condition: Very Good (Has very small/minor signs of wear).

"The Fables of La Fontaine" illustrated by Gustave Doré is not a new literary work by Doré himself, but rather a celebrated edition of Jean de La Fontaine's timeless fables, brought to vivid life through the magnificent illustrations of the renowned 19th-century French artist, Gustave Doré.

Originally penned by Jean de La Fontaine in the 17th century, these fables are a collection of poems and moral tales, largely inspired by earlier fabulists like Aesop. They often feature anthropomorphic animals, country folk, and figures from Greek mythology, using their interactions and predicaments to convey witty and often profound moral lessons about human nature and society.

Doré's contribution, beginning in the 1860s, transformed these beloved narratives into visual masterpieces. His illustrations, ranging from full-page plates to intricate vignettes, capture the essence of each fable with dramatic flair, humor, and a unique blend of the grotesque and the charming. Unlike some of his more somber works for Dante's Inferno or the Bible, Doré's illustrations for La Fontaine's Fables often showcase his lighter, more whimsical side, perfectly complementing the satirical and moralistic tones of the original text.

This collaborative work is highly regarded for its artistic genius and its enduring appeal, offering readers both the wisdom of La Fontaine's verses and the unparalleled visual storytelling of Gustave Doré. It stands as a testament to the power of illustration to enhance and reinterpret classic literature, making the "Fables of La Fontaine" an even richer and more engaging experience for generations of readers.