LA FONTAINE (Jean de), La Fontaine’s Fables in Gascon, Bayon - Lot 554

LA FONTAINE (Jean de), La Fontaine’s Fables in Gascon, Bayonne, printed by Paul Fauvet Duhard, 1776. In-8, 18th-century-style binding in burgundy morocco with gilt fillet, decorated ribbed spine (some scuffing and minor signs of moisture). A rare first edition of this translation or adaptation in Gascon verse of La Fontaine’s “Fables.” A notice published in the *Journal des Landes* on 21 Pluviôse, Year XII, attributes this translation to Baretche (or rather Daretche). An interesting note by Barbe on this work states: “This book is rightly considered the masterpiece of the Bayonne presses” (Vinson, *Fables de la Fontaine*, 1881). The illustrations include a frontispiece and a title page engraved by Le Mire after Moreau the Younger. (water stains) Foxing, small tear in the margin on p. 12.