REYNARD THE FOX: After the German Version of Goethe, by Thomas James Arnold, Esq. With Illustrations from the Designs of Wilhelm von Kaulbach

New York: D. Appleton and Co, 1860. Hardcover. The first edition in English, American issue. A retelling of the old medieval beast epic Reineke der Fuchs or Reynard the Fox. For Goethe (1749-1832), the corrupt courtly world of Reynard and his fellow animals, ruled over by the capricious and egotistical King Noble the Lion, formed a mirror image of his own tumultuous times, of the rapacity and self-indulgence of the Ancien Régime. Printed by Richard Clay: London. Octavo: [viii], 226 pp. with an extra title page and 35 textual illustrations, all steel engravings after drawings by Wilhelm von Kaulbach, as well as chapter heads and vignettes. The title page is printed in red and black. All edges gilt, with pale cream endpapers. In the publisher's deluxe black morocco over rounded boards, with blind-stamped ruled borders, and gilt-stamped titling, floral ornamental vine surround with floral-decorated corners, vignette of Reynard in chariot, floral and knotwork decorations, and heraldic shield. Period ink presentation inscription ("To Alice Medley from her husband. Augst 15. 1863.") on the prefatory blank leaf. The spine is a trifle faded, with some minor rubbing to the extremities. A particularly choice example. Provenance: from the Publishers' Bookbindings collection of Ellen K. Morris and Edward S. Levin. (Inventory #: 77919)