Our 1923 First Edition copy of John Gay: Biography and the Fables, was published by Frederick Warne Ltd. in an edition limited to 250 of which this is #41. Poet, playwright, diplomat and most famously the author of the Beggar’s Opera, John Gay (1685-1732) epitomized the incendiary wit of Restoration and Augustan ages of English arts and letters. Gay was an active member of the “Scriblerus Club,” an informal association of writers, artists, and intellectual provocateurs such as Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope, Thomas Parnell, John Arbuthnot, and William Hogarth who all used satire to stir the social pot. Gay's collection of moral tales shows his more redemptive side. Originally published in 1727 the fables were dedicated to Prince William Augustus (later Duke of Cumberland), third son of King George II and were composed to educate and amuse the six year old prince. Each fable was preceded by detailed copper engravings created by William Kent, John Wootton, and Hubert-François Gravelot (aka Hubert-François Bourguignon). Our volume is bound in olive green buckram with gilt titles, borders, and filled pattern, top edge gilt, deckle edged, laid paper. This edition also includes 68 pasted in plates with stamped borders and wood engravings from the drawings of William Harvey. Condition: A fine, tight copy. Some bumping to the spine and corners and light, general wear. Dimensions: 6" x 9".