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Articles Presenting La Fontaine's Works

1875 "La Fontaine and His Fables."  Albert Rhodes.  J.J. Grandville.  Article from Scribner's Monthly, Volume IX, No. 5., March, 1875:  $5.64 from Legacy Books II, Louisville, KY, through AbeBooks, Nov., '22.

Here is part of the seller's description: "16pp extract, printed in double columns, illustrated with 13 characteristic Scribner's engravings after various of the fables, salvaged from a damaged issue of Scribner's Monthly, Volume IX, No. 5, March, 1875."  The illustrations may be typical of Scribner's, as the seller writes, but all except the last are "borrowed" from J.J. Grandville.  The last, "The Cat and the Mouse," is a vivid piece done by a "Hyputhonski" or some similar name  The article itself is perhaps a bit heavy on La Fontaine's life and character, which evokes its own engagement, but never as much as do the fables.

 

1886 Article presenting the La Fontaine opera "Les Deux Pigeons." Pages 4-5 of "Journal Amusant," October 30, 1886. €10 at Clignancourt, July, '19.

"Les Deux Pigeons" is a touching story of two friends. One feels the need to travel but experiences nothing but trouble along the way. The other waits patiently at home. They are reunited. Apparently this fable inspired and provided lyrics for this opera, highly praised by the journal as it presents key characters and scenes.

 

 

1913  "L'Illustration" magazine for February 8, 1913, includes a full-page insert (page 117) as it reports on elements of, I believe, the "Balkan Wars."  The full-page insert offers a photograph of a mule and two riders in Turkestan who illustrate MSA.  The caption retells the fable.  €12 from journauxanciens through Ebay, Feb., '

I agree with the editors that it is rare that one finds an uncontrived human situation perfectly illustrating a fable.  I am grateful that the French have loved La Fontaine's fables so dearly and followed them so assiduously!