Fables of Aesop - (Dover Fine Art, History of Art) (Paperback)

About the Book

Rare 1931 Paris limited edition of Sir Roger l'Estrange translation, with 50 original drawings by Calder. 201 traditional fables in finest English rendition (17th century) beautifully complemented by Calder. Contains mature content.

Book Synopsis

This Dover volume brings into general circulation for the first time a rare edition of Aesop's Fables issued in Paris in 1931 and limited to only 665 copies. The book combines the 1692 translation of the Fables by English journalist Sir Roger L'Estrange with 50 drawings created especially as illustration for the tales by American sculptor, painter, and illustrator Alexander Calder.
L'Estrange's 17th-century rendering of the fables is a delight to read, judged by The Cambridge History of English Literature "the best that we have." Calder's art needs no special introduction: his widely displayed "mobiles" and "stabiles" have won him international popularity. The drawings Calder executed for this book rank among his most imaginative creations.
Two hundred and one of the traditional fables are narrated here, including such all-time favorites as "A Hare and a Tortoise," "A Fox and Grapes," "A Lyoness and a Fox," "A City Mouse and a Country Mouse," "A Swallow and a Crow," and "A Fox and a Raven." An entertaining volume for general readers, prized by literature students and art lovers alike, this is a book that should appeal to practically everybody.

From the Back Cover

This Dover volume brings into general circulation for the first time a rare edition of Aesop's Fables issued in Paris in 1931 and limited to only 665 copies. The book combines the 1692 translation of the Fables by English journalist Sir Roger L'Estrange with 50 drawings created especially as illustration for the tales by American sculptor, painter, and illustrator Alexander Calder.
L'Estrange's 17th-century rendering of the fables is a delight to read, judged by The Cambridge History of English Literature "the best that we have." Calder's art needs no special introduction: his widely displayed "mobiles" and "stabiles" have won him international popularity. The drawings Calder executed for this book rank among his most imaginative creations.
Two hundred and one of the traditional fables are narrated here, including such all-time favorites as "A Hare and a Tortoise," "A Fox and Grapes," "A Lyoness and a Fox," "A City Mouse and a Country Mouse," "A Swallow and a Crow," and "A Fox and a Raven." An entertaining volume for general readers, prized by literature students and art lovers alike, this is a book that should appeal to practically everybody. Unabridged, unaltered republication of the first (1931) edition.

About the Author

A pioneering American sculptor and artist, Alexander Calder (1898-1976) is best known for his invention of the mobile. His playful sense of humor is evident throughout his works, which range from jewelry and toys to tiny, matchbox-sized wire sculptures and grand 70-foot steel sculptures that grace plazas throughout the world.