Aesop's Fables Illustrated by John Tenniel (Alta Edition), 1872. 🦊🐢📜

1. Introduction 📜🔍

Alta Edition of Aesop's Fables, with illustrations by the legendary artist Sir John Tenniel. Published in 1872, this volume is not merely a book but a beautifully preserved example of 19th-century bookmaking. Its status as a timeless classic, combined with its unique personal inscription, gives it a documented history.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

Aesop's Fables is an enduring collection of short tales that have been passed down for millennia. Each fable, featuring animals that act and speak like humans, delivers a simple yet profound moral lesson. The book is a timeless classic of Western literature, and its themes of wisdom, morality, and justice continue to resonate with readers of all ages. This edition is particularly noteworthy for its beautiful and detailed illustrations by John Tenniel, which bring the fables to life with a unique artistic flair.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

Aesop (c. 620-564 BCE) was an ancient Greek fabulist and storyteller. His fables are a foundational element of Western literature. Sir John Tenniel (1820-1914) was a celebrated English illustrator and political cartoonist. He is best known for his iconic illustrations for Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. His work on this book is a testament to his versatility as an artist. The publisher, Porter & Coates, was a prominent American publishing house of the 19th century.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1872, this book appeared at a pivotal moment in American history, on the cusp of the Gilded Age. The book's nostalgic tone and its focus on timeless moral lessons provided a stark contrast to the more outward-looking and industrial themes of the post-Civil War era. The book is a valuable historical document that provides a clear window into the social and cultural values of a generation that was looking to find meaning in a rapidly changing world.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is a perfect fit for a collector of 19th-century American literature, a fan of John Tenniel, or a bibliophile specializing in early works from Porter & Coates. Its status as an influential work of American literature, combined with its unique personal inscription, gives it a distinct appeal that is highly valuable to a collector.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This edition of Aesop's Fables is a well-preserved and uncommon early edition of a classic work. Its value is derived from its status as a beloved novel by a famous author. While it is not a first edition, the book’s age and its unique personal inscription give it a distinct appeal that is highly valuable to a collector who appreciates the story behind a book's ownership.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is in "fair" condition, showing extensive signs of wear and age. The book has a dark red cloth binding, with gold lettering on the spine, but it shows significant wear on the spine and corners. The inside front cover has a personal inscription, and the pages are heavily toned and show some foxing.

8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤

This book contains a personal inscription in ink on the inside front cover. The inscription is a beautiful, cursive note, but it is too faint to be transcribed easily. This handwritten note, which is a key part of the book's history, documents its journey as a well-loved volume from the library of a previous owner.

9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• John Tenniel was a celebrated English illustrator and political cartoonist.

• The illustrations for the book are a key part of its appeal and have come to define the look and feel of the series.

• The book's publisher, Porter & Coates, was a prominent American publishing house of the 19th century.

• The book's personal inscription gives it a unique and personal history, making it a truly one-of-a-kind item.

10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: Aesop's Fables

• Author: Aesop

• Illustrator: John Tenniel

• Year: 1872

• Publisher: Porter & Coates

• Place of Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

• Format: Hardcover

• Edition: Alta Edition

• Rarity: Uncommon