LA FONTAINE, CONTES ET NOUVELLES EN VERS, AMSTERDAM, 1685, 2 VOLUMES, LATER HALF CALF

Contes mis en vers par Monsieur D...... et poesies diverses. Cologne: Pierre Marteau, 1688, woodcut vignette on title-page 2 works in 2 volumes, 12mo (144 x 92mm.), additional engraved title-page, engraved illustrations by Romeyn de Hooghe, later half calf over marbled boards, marbled edges, cut slightly close

Sale, Parke-Bernet, 15 December, 1953, lot 326, property of a New York collector residing abroad

Landwehr, De Hooghe 62; Rochambeau, Contes 28; 2nd work: VD17 32:719080S

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

FIRST ISSUE OF THE FIRST ILLUSTRATED EDITION of the Contes of La Fontaine. Loosely inserted is a letter from the bookseller William Downing, of Birmingham, dated 1 April 1898, to John P. Woodbury, about his order for this copy of La Fontaine and the fact that it is the original and not a later reprint.