DORAT Claude-Joseph

DORAT Claude-Joseph Fables or philosophical allegories The Hague, and is in Paris, Delalain, 1772 In-8°. 18th century full marbled havana calf (Claessens et fils). Spine with 5 nerves decorated with a gilt bead, gilt boxes richly decorated with flowers and volutes. Author's and title piece in brown morocco. Dent. and triple gilt thread around the boards. Double gilt thread on the edges. Large gilt int. dent. T. gilt. First edition of this collection of fables illustrated with a frontispiece by Marillier engraved by De Ghendt, a beautiful allegorical figure by the same engraved by N. de Launay, a fleuron on the title, a very nice vignette at the head and a cul-de-lampe by the same Marillier, engraved by Ponce, Linguée and Masquelier. First attempt at illustration for this book, with the help of skilled artists who were to create one of the most pleasant books of the 18th century the following year. The frontispieces and fleurons, which were used for the 1773 edition, are of course here in first proof. A magnificent copy very nicely bound by Claessens father and son.