Select Fables Of Esop and Other Fabulists R. Dodsley [Richard Dodsley]; Esop [Aesop] Short Stories

The renowned and scarce first Robert Dodsley edition of Aesop's fables, published by Baskerville, and adorned with wood engraved plates and vignettes throughout. The scarce first Dodsley edition, published by Baskerville.Illustrated with a wood engraved frontispiece, vignettes and fifteen further wood engraved plates. Collated, complete.A charming collection of fables credited to Aesop, a Greek storyteller and fabulist whose tales were characterised by the anthropomorphic animal characters.This collection is separated into three 'books' and edited with an account of the life of Aesop by Robert Dodsley.Dodsley's edition was notable as the animals spoke in character, such as the lion speaking in a royal manner, adding personality to the creatures. His addition also included fables from ancient sources and new stories written by himself and other notable writers.ESTC T84696. With the collation a-e8, f3, B-P8, Q4. Collated, complete.This edition is also notable for being printed by Baskerville, a printer known for inventing wove paper and his renowned typeface. In a full calf binding, with gilt detailing to back strip. Minor loss of calf to back strip tail, with small loss to back strip head. Joints starting, with boards firmly held. Majority of front free endpaper removed. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Abrasion to title page tail, obscuring the words 'Price bound Five Shillings'. Very Good