2 volumes. First volume contains 51 half-page copperplate engravings plus title page with engraved vignette, by William Kent and John Wooton; second volume contains 17 full page copperplate engravings plus title page with engraved vignette by H. Gravelot. (8vo) 8x5, contemporary full speckled calf with later rebacking, red morocco title labels, spine compartments decorated in gilt. Third Edition of first volume, First Edition of second volume.

Gay originally wrote his fables as "tales" for Prince William, afterwards Duke of Cumberland, to whom the book is also dedicated. The second series was published posthumously, in 1738, from the manuscripts left to the Duke and Duchess of Queensberry, Gay's noble patrons, who also erected the monument on his grave.