The Most Delectable History of Reynard the Fox. Done Into Pictures by W. Frank Calderon. London: Macmillan, 1895. First Edition Thus. Bound in full polished black morocco, spine compartments embellished in gilt, russet title label to second, upper & lower boards ruled in gilt rosettes to corners. Marbled endpapers & fore-edges. Scuffing to boards, contents pages in fine bright condition. Neat presentation inscription to front free endpaper.

Illustrated by W. Frank Calderon and edited by folklorist Joseph Jacobs, Reynard the Fox is a richly visual and literary adaptation of the medieval beast epic, tailored for a Victorian audience. A satirical allegory that dates back to medieval Europe, featuring anthropomorphic animals in a mock-heroic narrative. Reynard, the cunning fox, repeatedly outwits his enemies—especially the wolf Isegrim—through trickery and eloquence.

Calderon’s illustrations are a highlight of this edition. Known for his animal paintings, he brings expressive realism and narrative energy to the characters, enhancing the fable’s satirical edge.