Old books Jean de La Fontaine: collector's guide

With us, each item is examined individually. We verify authenticity, completeness, and the condition of bindings, pages, and engravings. You will find unique pieces, such as an edition of the Fables illustrated by Boutet de Monvel or a collection of Tales adorned by Fragonard, as well as more accessible works for starting a collection. Here’s what you need to know before purchasing.

Why collect books by Jean de La Fontaine?

La Fontaine’s fables are timeless classics, but it is the old editions that captivate collectors. An original edition, even incomplete, can be worth more than a modern printing in perfect condition. Illustrations play a key role: engravings by Grandville, Oudry, or Fragonard transform a simple book into a collectible object.

The Tales, often published separately, are sought after for their boldness and erotic illustrations. A complete copy, with its intact plates, stands out from truncated reprints. Bilingual editions, such as the Fabulae selectae in Latin and French, add a rare dimension.

Finally, provenance matters. A book that once belonged to a prestigious library or was annotated by a previous owner gains in value. We highlight these details in our descriptions.

How to identify a sought-after edition

The first editions of the Fables (1668, 1678, 1694) are the most coveted, but they are rare and often incomplete. 18th-century reprints, such as the 1776 edition, offer a more accessible alternative. 19th-century illustrated editions, particularly those published by Lemerre, are also highly prized for their steel or wood engravings.

The Tales and Novels in Verse (1665-1674) are harder to find in good condition. Complete copies, with their original illustrations, are rare. Beware of 19th-century reprints, often presented as old editions: check dates, illustrator signatures, and paper quality.

School or popular editions, such as the Imageries réunies de Jarville-Nancy, have their own charm, but their value depends on their condition and rarity. A copy in perfect condition, with its intact coloured plates, may be worth more than an older but damaged book.

The pitfalls to avoid

Modern reprints, even old ones, often mimic original editions. A date on the title page is not enough: examine the paper, watermarks, and signs of wear. Incomplete copies, missing their plates or title pages, lose much of their value.

Modern bindings, even luxurious ones, do not compensate for a lack of authenticity. A period binding, even worn, is preferable to a recent restoration. Books that have been restored must use original materials to preserve their value.

Forgeries are rare but possible. Pirated editions from the 18th century, such as those printed in the Netherlands, are less expensive but less sought-after. We systematically verify the authenticity of each work before offering it.

The condition of the book: an essential criterion

An old book is not new, and that is part of its charm. However, its condition directly influences its value. Pages must be complete, without tears or damp stains. Engravings must be sharp, without excessive foxing.

Leather or vellum bindings, even worn, are preferable to bindings in cardboard or cloth. Broken spines or worn corners are common, but a book that is too damaged loses value. We describe the condition of each work precisely, with detailed photographs to help you choose.

Bookplates, annotations, or library stamps can add character, but they should be discreet. A book that is too annotated or marked loses value, unless the annotations are historical or literary.

How we can help you

We carefully select each book. Before offering it, we verify its authenticity, completeness, and condition. We describe the details that make the difference: the quality of the engravings, the condition of the binding, provenance marks.

You are hesitating between several editions? We advise you on the criteria to prioritise based on your budget and objectives. Are you looking for a specific copy? We can alert you as soon as it arrives in stock.

Delivery is free, and you have 14 days to return a book if you are not satisfied. Each work is unique, and we want you to be sure of your choice.

Some highlights from our collection

Among our in-stock works, you will find a variety of editions to suit different budgets. For example, an edition of the Fables illustrated by Boutet de Monvel, with its delicate engravings, or a collection of Tales adorned by Fragonard, rare and sought-after.

For lovers of school editions, the Imageries réunies de Jarville-Nancy offer retro charm with their coloured plates. Editions by Lemerre, such as the reimposed Fables, are appealing for their elegance and print quality.

We also have rarer pieces, such as a bilingual edition of Fabulae selectae or a collection of Unpublished Fables from the 12th to 14th centuries, accompanied by La Fontaine’s fables. Each book has its own story, and we share it with you.

Our available works by Jean de La Fontaine

The current stock includes around 38 works in which the name “La Fontaine” appears: ancient editions, illustrious ones, period bindings, common copies, and rarer pieces. Each record is photographed and described by our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of a first edition of the Fables?

First editions (1668, 1678, 1694) are extremely rare, and their value depends on their condition and completeness. A complete copy in good condition can reach several thousand euros. 18th-century reprints are more accessible but equally interesting for collectors.

How can I identify a high-quality illustrated edition?

Editions illustrated by artists such as Grandville, Oudry, or Fragonard are the most sought-after. Ensure that the engravings are complete, with no excessive foxing, and that the book is well-bound. Signatures by the illustrators on the plates are a mark of authenticity.

Are La Fontaine’s Contes rarer than the Fables?

Yes, the Contes are harder to find in good condition, as they were often censored or incompletely reprinted. Illustrated editions, such as those adorned by Fragonard, are particularly sought-after for their boldness and rarity.

Can I collect La Fontaine on a small budget?

Absolutely. 19th-century editions, such as those published by Lemerre, or school collections like the Imageries réunies de Jarville-Nancy, are affordable and offer a good starting point. The important thing is to choose copies in good condition, even if modest.

To go further

To explore further, browse our collection dedicated to other great French authors. Discover first editions of Victor Hugo, rare novels by Stendhal, tales by Alphonse Daudet, poems by Paul Valéry, essays by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, or the complete works of Honoré de Balzac. Each book is a unique piece, verified and described with care.

Do you own books by Jean de La Fontaine? We appraise and purchase them.