LA FONTAINE (Jean de). Fables. A Paris, Chez Bossange, Masson et Besson,An IV [1796 vulg. era]. 4 volumes in-8°, long-grained red morocco, gilt serrated border, smooth spine, gilt edges (early 19th c. binding). A frontispiece and 275 plates engraved by SIMON and COINY after VIVIER. A large-margin copy on vellum with the figures drawn in 1787 in the first edition, before the numbering of the plates (except for six of them). From the library of Georges Vandaele, with bookplate. "Copies containing the figures before the number are sought after", (Cohen, 553-554). Spines slightly faded; a few freckles; some light dampening in vol. II. A BEAUTIFUL EXEMPLAIR IN GILDED RED MAROQUIN FROM THE EARLY 19th CENTURY.