BEWICK, Thomas (1753-1828, illustrator). The Fables of Aesop. Newcastle: Printed by E. Walker, 1818. Large 8vo (236 x 148mm). Wood-engraved vignette on title, illustrations and vignettes by Thomas Bewick (titles spotted, a few patches of spotting, quite heavy to a few leaves). FINELY BOUND in later red crushed morocco gilt by George Rutland, Newcastle, spine gilt with 5 raised bands, gilt edges (extremities very lightly rubbed). Provenance: John Straker, Stagshaw House (armorial bookplate). FIRST EDITION, with the philosopher woodcut at p.xvi and the "thumbprint" receipt leaf SIGNED by Thomas Bewick inserted before the title. Roscoe 45b. With the same artist's The History of British Birds (Newcastle, 1805, 2 vols.), A General History of Quadrupeds (Newcastle, 1807) and Select Fables (Newcastle, 1820), all illustrated by Thomas Bewick, FINELY BOUND in uniform red crushed morocco gilt by George Rutland, forming A HANDSOME SET. Provenance: The Property of the late Frank Graham (1913-2006, modern labels), and thence by descent. (5)
