Contes et nouvelles en vers

Amsterdam [i.e. Paris, Barbou], 1762. First edition (the so-called Fermiers-Generaux edition), 2 volumes, 8vo, pp. xiv, [2], 268, [2], 8; [2], viii, [2], 306, [4], [9]-16; complete with the half-titles, 2 engraved frontispiece portraits and 80 plates after Eisen by Aliamet, Delafosse, Longueil, Le Mire, etc.; 2 title-page vignettes, 2 headpieces, and 51 tailpieces by Choffard; full contemporary mottled calf, gilt decorated spines, covers with triple gilt borders, maroon morocco labels on spines, a.e.g.; lightly rubbed, but no cracks in the joints; mild dampstaining at the back of vol. II; but in all, a very good, sound, and unrestored copy in what is likely the original binding, with strong impressions of the plates and generally clean internally. Ray, Art of the French Illustrated Book, 26: "The Fermiers Generaux, an association of the members of which had charge of gathering certain kinds of taxes, formed 'the first financial company in the kingdom.' Seeking to affirm their position, they commissioned this edition of La Fontaine's broad and spirited tales, a suitable choice for men of affairs who had recently risen to prominence and did not pretend to refined and delicate taste. They were determined that the book should be the best of its kind ... 'one of the handsomest disbursements of witty and sensual money of Louis XV's reign' ... Eisen's eighty designs for La Fontaine are the liveliest and most adroit that he ever drew. Thoroughly at home with the varied action of these lusty stories - their love passsages, their intrigues, their practical jokes - he is also expert in choosing the moment in each that will best serve his purpose as an illustrator ... Choffard's fifty-three tailpieces and four vignette fleurons form a perfect compliment to Eisen's plates."