Lot 65
  • 65

M[ilton], J[ohn].

Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • Paradise Lost. A Poem in Ten Books. Peter Parker, Robert Boulter and Matthias Walker, 1668
  • PAPEr
4to (183 x 129mm.), first edition, Amory's first state title page (traditional third state), woodcut head-pieces and initials, modern full green crushed green morocco gilt by Riviere & Son, covers with triple fillets enclosing central ornamental oval design, floral corner-pieces, spine in six compartments, all edges gilt, lacking initial blank, minor soiling and some darkening to text, a few tiny edge tears and repairs

Provenance

"A. Williams", bookplate (pasted over unidentified booklate on upper paste-down)

Literature

Amory 1a; Grolier English 33; Grolier Wither to Prior 602; Coleridge 90; Wing M2139; Hayward 72

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Although with a 1668 date, most scholars and bibliographers now regard this as the true first issue of Paradise Lost, following Hugh Amory's ground-breaking article ("Things Unattempted Yet") in the Spring 1983 Book Collector. Amory located only seven copies of this subissue 1a, with Milton's initials only rather than full name on the title.