[AESOP (d. 564 BCE)]. L’ESTRANGE, Roger, Sir (1616-1704). Fables, of Aesop and other Eminent Mythologists: With Morals and Reflexions. London: for R. Sare, et al, 1704. [Bound with:] Fables and Storyes Moralized Being a Second Part of the Fables of Aesop, and Other Eminent Mythologists. London: R. Sare, 1699.
2 volumes in one, folio (313 x 197 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of the author by Roger White after Geoffrey Kneller, full-page engraving of Aesop and animals, both in vol. I. Contemporary speckled calf, gilt-rolled panel on the sides, with ornaments at the corners, spine in 7 compartments with raised bands, gilt-lettering in one, others with elaborate gilt tools of flowers and leaves, alternating in each panel, red speckled edges, BOUND BY THE OXFORD BINDER RICHARD SEDGLEY (some light splitting to rear joint at ends, few marred areas at corners of lower panel). (Uniformly browned in vol. II, which is on noticeably lesser quality paper than the first work as seen in most copies).
FOURTH EDITION of vol. I and FIRST EDITION of vol. II. “This is the most extensive collection of fables in existence” (DNB) and one of the first collections of fables prepared specifically for children. The second volume is a continuation of the compilation of stories begun in the first section. In a handsome contemporary binding by a noted Oxford binder, having rolls and individual tools in common with the example shown in Nixon, English Restoration Bookbindings, 122. Not in ESTC; Wing A708A; Muir, English Children’s Books, p. 24.