Lot 200
  • 200

Milton, John

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
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Description

Paradise Lost. A Poem in Ten Books. London: Printed by S. Simons, and to be sold by S. Thomson, H. Mortlack, M. Walker, and R. Boulter, 1668



4to (7 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.; 184 x 140 mm). Amory's issue no. 2 (traditional fourth title, with Milton's name spelled out and the correct imprint), the title and text within box rules, a reissue of sheets *A4, a4 added, containing Milton's argument for Books I–X, the defense of blank verse, and the errata; skillful marginal repair to title-page, light toning and occasional spotting, quires Ss–Vv browned. Contemporary speckled calf, French filleted border in blind, gilt filleted board edges, turn-ins exposed,  contemporary manuscript waste used for hinges; tears to endpapers, ties lacking. Brown cloth chemise, full brown morocco slipcase.

Provenance

Estelle Doheny (red morocco library ticket and sale, Christie's New York, 1 February 1988, lot 823) — Michael Sharpe (black morocco library ticket)

Literature

Amory 2; Grolier/English 33; Grolier/Wither to Prior II:187; Pforzheimer 716; Wing M2139

Catalogue Note

First edition, with Amory's second issue of the title-page. "Paradise Lost still stands as one of the greatest, most noble and sublime poems in any language" (Dryden).