LA FONTAINE (Jean de). FABLES CHOISIES, set in verse. Paris, Desaint et Saillant, 1755-1759. 4 volumes in folio, speckled calf, triple gilt fillet on covers, very ornate ribbed spine, gilt edges (period binding). An admirable and very famous edition, often imitated, this is a masterpiece of French engraving. The illustration includes a frontispiece specially drawn by Oudry and engraved by Cochin, and 275 remarkable full-page engravings based on Oudry's original drawings, retouched by Cochin and etched under his direction by the best artists of the time. A second edition copy, with the name on the banner of the engraving of the leopard. Without the portrait of Oudry, as it was not originally part of the work. Slight marginal galling in volume 4, headbands worn, the copy is well preserved in attractive contemporary calf bindings.