The Little Esop ("Aesop" on top board)
Boston: J Buffum, 23 Cornhill, 1856 on title, reprint of 1843 US/1840 UK book/1830's. Red stamped floral gilt top board, blindstamped bottom, gilt all around. design on spine of girl with watering can; frontis with seated Aesop holding tablet and talking to two children, small clear woodcuts illustrate each story; 3.75x4.25. Small hardback.
A charming little book. Although there is no authorship attributed, given the era, the English publishers were probably involved in the preface and rewriting. . Aesop "became an instructor, and conveyed his lessons of life and manners in the simple and entertaining form of fables; or incidents and dialogues, supposed chiefly amongst the beasts and birds. If these animals could really speak, perhaps we should find them complaining of injustice at having such follies imputed to them; and if there were an Esop amongst them, he might give us THEIR thoughts of US, and so produce the most instructive and amusing book of fables in the world." The Little ... Robinson Crusoe, Pilgrim's Progress, etc. were also published at this time.
CONDITION: Near Fine; fine 19th c inscription "a token of respect from your teacher": all gilt bright, corners sharp, toned but not foxed; tiny hole in rear spine, Item #22786
Price: $125.00