Select Fables of Esop and Other Fabulists. In Three Books – 1761 First Edition – John Baskerville – Complete with Engraved Plates

Title: Select Fables of Esop and Other Fabulists. In Three Books – 1761 First Edition – John Baskerville – Complete with Engraved Plates Author: Aesop; Robert Dodsley Publisher: Birmingham: Printed by John Baskerville, for R. and J. Dodsley in Pall Mall, London Publication date: 1761 Edition: First edition Binding: Contemporary full calf leather, hardcover Condition: Good Description: An important and scarce first edition of Select Fables of Esop and Other Fabulists, published in Birmingham in 1761 by the celebrated printer and typographer John Baskerville for R. and J. Dodsley of Pall Mall, London. A highly desirable eighteenth-century edition of Aesop's fables, collected, translated and partly written by Robert Dodsley (1704–1764), the influential English writer, publisher and bookseller. The work is arranged in three books and includes traditional fables attributed to Aesop alongside adaptations, translations and original compositions by Dodsley and other writers. It also contains an account of the life of Aesop and Dodsley's important introductory essay examining the nature, literary qualities and moral purpose of fables. Of particular bibliographical significance, this was the first publication from John Baskerville's celebrated Birmingham press to incorporate illustrations, making it an important milestone in the history of eighteenth-century English printing. John Baskerville (1706–1775) is recognised as one of the most influential printers and typographers of his age. His innovations in typography, paper manufacture, printing techniques and book design helped establish new standards of elegance and clarity in printed books. The typeface bearing his name remains internationally recognised. Illustrations and completeness: Complete volume with all pages present. All 15 additional engraved plates are present, together with the finely executed illustrations incorporated into the text. The illustrations depict scenes from the fables and demonstrate the high standards of eighteenth-century book illustration. The engraved plates are particularly attractive, displaying fine detail, strong impressions and excellent contrast. Binding and condition: Contemporary full calf leather binding, retaining the original boards with double gilt borders and a spine incorporating raised bands and gilt decoration. The original boards remain firmly attached, and the binding is exceptionally tight and secure. The text block is firm and complete, with no loose pages. The exterior exhibits considerable age-related wear, including rubbing, scuffing and surface deterioration to the leather, particularly along the spine, raised bands and board extremities. Much of the original gilt decoration to the spine has worn away, although the original structure and decorative features remain clearly identifiable. Despite this external wear, the binding remains exceptionally sound. Internally, the main text block is remarkably clean and bright, with no evidence of foxing, spotting or age-related toning. The printed text is crisp, clear and exceptionally well preserved for a volume published in 1761. Some preliminary leaves display minor marginal wear, irregular edges and age-related discolouration, as illustrated in the accompanying photographs. The engraved illustrations are well preserved, with excellent definition and contrast. The contrast between the heavily worn contemporary leather exterior and the exceptionally clean, tightly bound interior is a particularly appealing feature of this copy. An authentic and increasingly collectable example of eighteenth-century English printing, combining the literary importance of Aesop and Robert Dodsley with the distinguished typographical legacy of John Baskerville. A desirable addition to collections of early English printing, illustrated eighteenth-century books, classical fables and antiquarian literature.…