GAY, John "Fables" [Vernor, Hood, and Sharpe, 1810] Illustrated

GAY, John. Fables, In Two Parts. Illustrated. With Notes.

London: Vernor, Hood, and Sharpe, 1810. Fourth edition. Complete, two parts bound in one. 6.5" x 4", 247pp + 1 ad. Comprised of 66 fables, each illustrated with a headpiece. Leatherbound with embossed borders, red spine label, gilt spine compartments, and embossed spine designs. Leather rubbed along edges but holding well. One moderate scuff on spine face, as pictured. Textblock only lightly foxed. Very Good.

John Gay was a leading English poet and playwright of the early 18th century, remembered for his sharp wit and keen social observation. Many of his fables, such as “The Hare and the Tortoise” and “The Dog and the Shadow,” became widely known and were often cited in later literature and educational texts. His work was notable for blending humor with moral lessons, offering both entertainment and reflection on human nature. Gay’s fables influenced generations of writers and remain a key example of English moral poetry.