Aesop's Fables. Translated By Sir Roger L'estrange Kt. Gooden, Stephen (Illus.)

Signed limited edition, number 329 of 525 copies, signed by the illustrator. In addition to the plates, each of the 201 fables begins with an initial illustrated letter. The Manchester Guardian reviewed the publication with the statement that Aesop "has never been more suitably honoured than in this collector's piece". Stephen Gooden (1892-1955) rose to prominence in the 1920s and became the leading exponent of original line engraving. Most of his work was for private presses, including the Nonesuch Press. He also engraved pictorial bookplates, including a number for the Royal Family, and was the official designer to the Bank of England. Manchester Guardian, 4 December 1936. Small quarto. Original vellum, spine lettered and decorated in gilt, covers with vignettes and ruled borders in gilt, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt, others untrimmed. Publisher's slipcase with paper label to spine. Engraved title page and 11 engraved plates, black and white illustrations in the text, all by Stephen Gooden. Foxing and natural colour variance to vellum, occasional foxing; slipcase a little worn and lightly soiled: a very good copy in a very good slipcase.