Fables Choisies is considered by many to be one of the greatest illustrated books ever published. Representing the pinnacle of 18th century French illustration, the Library's copy is one of a limited edition of 100 copies printed on Holland paper. A lavish four-volume work, this edition features an illustrated frontispiece and 275 copper plate engravings.
The designs for the engravings were produced by Jean-Baptiste Oudry, director of the royal tapestry works at Beauvais, between 1729 and 1734. It was not until 1751, when the drawings were acquired by the financier Montenault, that publication became a possibility.
The first three volumes were published between 1755 and 1756. The publication of Fables Choisies, one of the most ambitious illustrated books of the time, left Montenault financially destitute. The final volume appeared in 1759 only through the assistance of a royal grant. | 
