Milton, John

Areopagitica; A Speech of Mr. John Milton for the Liberty of Unlicenc'd Printing, to the Parliament of England. London: [no printer], 1644



4to (7 x 5 1/4 in.; 178 x 134 mm). Headpiece of printer's ornaments; lightly browned, some leaves strengthened in gutter margin, lacking final blank leaf, sidenote on page 8 shaved. Modern wrappers, in a black half-morocco drop-box, gilt-stamped title on spine.

Wing M-2092; PMM 133; Grolier, Wither to Prior 569; Pforzheimer 707

4to (7 x 5 1/4 in.; 178 x 134 mm). Headpiece of printer's ornaments; lightly browned, some leaves strengthened in gutter margin, lacking final blank leaf. Modern wrappers, in a black half-morocco drop-box, gilt-stamped title on spine.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition. "The argument for freedom has never, before or since, been so magnificently or forcefully expressed" (PMM). The government sought to re-impose control over printing by an ordinance of 14 July 1643, provoked by the multiplication of political tracts just before the outbreak of the Civil War in 1642. Milton's own work came under attack under the new ordinance, and the present work is his response."What we owe to Milton first and foremost is the isolation of the freedom of the press from all the other forms of toleration, especially religious toleration, disputed and advocated at the time; it is this, and the vigour of the matchless prose in which it was advocated, that give Milton's words their life today" (PMM).

In this copy the word "wayfaring" on page 12, has not been amended to "warfaring."