Description

A very early American imprint, the second, the work was first printed in England in 1805 and in America in 1811. With the famous seventy-three copper-plate cuts, the same as those which adorned the earlier editions. These were commonly attributed to William Blake but are very early works of William Mulready, who was only 19 when the first edition was published. 8vo, in contemporary full calf, the spine with gilt-ruled flat bands and a single morocco label lettered in gilt. 11-230pp. [Lacking the preface, table of contents, and final two leaves]. A rare and early American imprint, title-page holding but tender, numerous pages with tears, sometimes affecting the text, pages 45/46 with lower half excised, dog-earing throughout, the binding with boards firm and strong though with wear.

Edizione: a rare very early american imprint of william godwin's fables, issued while the work was still credited to his pseudonym edward baldwin. godwin retells classic tales from sources like aesop and la fontaine in a simple, accessible style for children, often with happy endings, and includes numerous illustrations, notably by william mulready.