Fables of Æsop, And other Eminent Mythologists: with Morals and Reflections. By Sir Roger L’Estrange, Kt. [bound with] Fables and Storyes Moralized. Being a Second Part of the Fables of Æsop.

London: printed for R. Sare [et al.], 1704-1699. Two works in one volume, folio; fourth and first editions pp. [x], 28, [viii], 476; [16], 238, [2] (advertisment leaf) + (in the first work) engraved portrait frontispiece of L'Estrange by Roger White after Kneller and full page engraving of animals from the fables gathered around Æsop (potbellied and misshapen as per popular tradition), both plates a little soiled and frayed. The table has been bound after the 'life of Æsop' in the first work. General light toning in the second work (due to paper stock). Rebound in good quality full tan morocco in the mid twentieth century, with one of the original panelled calf covers pasted onto an endpaper. Ownership inscription of Sir Henry Tichborne, dated January 1st 1767; later armorial bookplate (c. 1800) of Sir Henry Tichborne, engraved by Huntly of New Bond Street. Later pencilled signature, illeg. A royalist pamphleteer and author, L'Estrange was appointed Surveyor of the Imprimery and Licenser of the Press by Charles II, granting him wide powers (which he made full use of) to suppress seditious material. He translated a number of Greek and Latin classics and his edition of Æsop was both popular and extraordinarily comprehensive, incorporating the works of fabulists ancient and modern including Barlandus, Anianus, Abstemius and Poggius and others as well as the titular author. ESTC N8014 & R202378 Book