Step back into the grandeur of Versailles with this rare 1909 edition of Jean de La Fontaine’s Fables—a beautifully preserved piece of antique French literature that captures the elegance and wit of the Louis XIV era. Published by Georges Crés et Cie, Paris, and J M Dent & Sons Ltd, London, this volume was part of the esteemed Galia Collection, curated under the direction of Charles Sarolea.
This remarkable book features a preface by Jules Claretie, a celebrated French critic and historian, whose introduction adds a rich layer of context to La Fontaine’s timeless fables. The collection includes 12 long-form fables written at the behest of King Louis XIV, offering not only moral insights but also a glimpse into the life and politics of the French court. The final poem, “Philémon et Baucis,” is a literary tribute to Le Duc de Vendôme, reflecting the intimate connections between French literature and royal history.