Groom, Mary -- Milton, John

folio, number 5 of 200 copies, wood-engraved title-page printed in red and black by Robert Gibbings, 30 wood-engraved illustrations by Mary Groom, original half black pigskin over decorative paper boards by Zaehnsdorf, top edge gilt

Pertelote 119; Cave and Manson pp.130-131.

Condition is described in the body of the cataloguing where 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."

One of the great Golden Cockerel Press books, "the book as published is indeed glorious." 

Mary Groom, although little known, had studied with Leon Underwood and her illustrations are reminiscent of his style. The partners of the Press had originally conceived of an edition of Milton illustrated by Gibbings throughout, however this had been abandoned. Gibbings had completed one image which had appeared in the 1930 prospectus for the book, and by comparing this with Mary Groom's finished work, it is clear that her artistic reading of Milton was far deeper. "The Golden Cockerel Paradise Lost is one of the most interesting, most poetic editions of Milton's epic." This copy contains a pencil inscription "Copy No. 5 (first of the paper copies) from Christopher Sandford's library."