Fables

London: John Stockdale, 1793. Leather. Very Good. 9.5" by 6". William Blake. An early edition of John Gay's influential 'Fables', a nicely illustrated editions with some plates engraved by William Blake. First Stockdale edition later issue, with a short "s" throughout.A collection of the fables of John Gay, with seventeen fables in this volume.Illustrated with sixteen plates and an engraved title page.Fables in this volume include 'The Dog and the Fox', 'The Vulture, the Sparrow, and Other Birds', 'The Baboon and the Poultry', 'The Ant in Office', 'The Bear in a Boat', and more.Gay originally wrote fables for Prince William, the Duke of Cumberland, in 1727, and despite writing them for a royal, he wrote about the vanities of court honours.This edition is notable for including engravings by William Blake, a Romantic poet and painter, a seminal figure of the era. He wrote prophetic works, though he was largely unrecognised during his lifetime.Volume II only of a total of two volumes, lacking Volume I.Bookplate to the front paste down. In a half straight grain morocco binding with paper to the boards. Externally, generally smart. Light rubbing go the boards and raised bands. Minor bumping to the extremities. A few minor marks to the boards, including a faint tide mark to the rear board. A very small patch of loss of paper to the front joint. Bookplate to the front paste down. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean with some scattered spots. Very Good