PBA Galleries

[6], 40, 40, 17, 2-221, [3] pp. With engraved frontispiece depicting Aesop and the animals, engraved dedication, 31 engraved plates and 110 half-page engravings. The Life of Aesop is present in English, French and Latin. The fables and morals are in French and Latin, and the verse captions in the engravings are in English. (folio) 12¼x7¼, modern full red morocco elaborately gilt in panels and with black morocco inlay, spine with raised bands, all edges gilt; bound by Philip Dusel, in antique style.

Beautifully bound and rare edition. This is Mark Catesby's copy with ownership signature dated 1720 on the title-page. The 31 engraved plates illustrating the life of Aesop are after Francis Barlow (almost all signed by Thomas Dudley); the 17th plate which is present here was often suppressed for its lewd content. At least one other copy of the 1703 edition also has an engraved title-page, as do the earlier editions. The English verses (accompanying the illustrations to the fables and the life) are by Mrs. Aphra Behn.