The Fables of Jean de la Fontaine: The Shepherd and His Flock

London: William Heinemann, 1931. Original working proof, final state, of this line engraving for the Heinemann edition of Fontaine, translated by Sir Edward Marsh. 1 vols. 2 7/8 x 3 3/8 inches, plus margins. Fine condition. Gooden, Stephen. Original working proof, final state, of this line engraving for the Heinemann edition of Fontaine, translated by Sir Edward Marsh. 1 vols. 2 7/8 x 3 3/8 inches, plus margins. Original Proof Engraving by Gooden for Fontaine's Fables. A fine proof of the vignette appearing in Volume II, page 174. Stephen Gooden (1892-1955) was the most accomplished line engraver of his time. He illustrated a number of books, among them the Nonesuch Press Bible, the Rubaiyat, the Fables of La Fontaine, George Moore's The Brook Kerith, and Aesop's Fables. In addition, he produced a notable series of bookplates, including a number for The Royal Family, and was the official designer to the Bank of England. Because his work invariably appeared in limited editions, which restricted the public's access to his work, he is not as well known--particularly in America--as he deserves to be, but his work is unsurpassed. This highly praised two volume edition of Fontaine was limited to only 525 copies. Campbell Dodgson 90