LA FONTAINE, Jean de. Fables of La Fontaine with Moving Pictures
4to. London (Northumberland Avenue, W.C.) & Brighton (129 North Street): Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge [ca. 1912]. Unpaginated [13] pp. | 30 x 22 cm
Rare English-language edition of a movable book originally published in French by A. Capendu of Paris. This edition is attributed to Marcel Douillard for both text and illustrations, and features six of La Fontaine’s classic animal fables. The text is printed in brown on the versos and paired on the facing rectos with full-color chromolithographed plates animated by pull-tab mechanisms. Each scene brings the moral of the story to life through clever mechanical movement.
While undated, this edition is assigned to 1912 in Montanaro’s bibliography. It is believed to be a direct translation of Capendu’s original French version, likely issued as part of a rights partnership between Capendu and the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK). Such collaborations were common in the early 20th century, allowing culturally significant European titles to reach English-speaking audiences through trusted publishers like SPCK.
Condition: Very Good. All six movable plates are present, original, and fully functional. Some tabs have been professionally reinforced. Binding remains firm. A clean and complete copy, unusually well-preserved for a title of this fragile format. See photos for details.
The fables included - along with their moral lessons are:
- The Fox and the Stork – What goes around comes around. (Treat others as you wish to be treated.)
- The Wolf and the Lamb – Might does not make right. (Injustice often prevails when power is abused.)
- The City Rat and the Country Rat – Better a simple life with peace than luxury with danger.
- The Fox and the Raven – Beware of flattery; it often hides deception.
- The Hare and the Tortoise – Slow and steady wins the race. (Perseverance and diligence lead to success.)
- The Grasshopper and the Ant – Work today to prepare for tomorrow. (Hard work and planning ensure security.)
This book found recorded in Copac at the British Library (BL) and Oxford University only; OCLC extends holdings to include Cambridge University and two libraries in the United States.
Collectors Corner:
Collector’s Corner
This edition is recorded in Copac at the British Library and Oxford University only; OCLC extends holdings to include Cambridge University and two libraries in the United States. It remains very scarce in the marketplace, particularly in complete and working condition.
The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) is one of the world’s oldest Anglican missionary and publishing organizations. Founded in 1698 in London by clergyman Thomas Bray, SPCK focused on disseminating Christian education, distributing religious literature, and supporting overseas missions. During the 18th and 19th centuries, SPCK became one of the most influential religious publishing houses in Britain, gradually expanding into educational materials and moral literature.
Fables of La Fontaine with Moving Pictures exemplifies that mission. La Fontaine’s timeless animal fables offer lessons in virtue, pride, cunning, and humility. SPCK’s publication of this work—with its combination of visual appeal and moral instruction—clearly aligns with its tradition of values-based storytelling for children. The inclusion of moving parts was likely intended to enhance engagement and retention, helping young readers internalize the stories’ ethical messages.
References:
Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. (2024). About SPCK: History and Mission. Retrieved from https://spckpublishing.co.uk
Bray, T. (1698). Apostolick Charity, Its Nature and Excellence Considered. SPCK.
Morse, R. (2007). The Development of Religious Publishing in Britain: The Role of SPCK in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Cambridge University Press.