[Milton, John] | The author's first prose work

From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft

[Milton, John]

Of Reformation Touching Church-Discipline in England: And the Causes that Hitherto Have Hindered It. Two Bookes, Written to a Friend. [London]: Printed, [by Richard Oulton and/or Gregory Dexter?] for Thomas Underhill, 1641

4to (178 x 134 mm). Typographic ornaments on title, errata leaf present; some browning, heavier (and with toning from earlier binding) on title. Modern quarter calf, marbled boards.

First edition of the first of Milton’s anti-episcopal pamphlets written in support of the five ministers in the Smectymnuus controversy. Traditionally considered Milton’s first prose work.

REFERENCE:

Grolier/Wither to Prior, 566; Shawcross 56; Wing M2134; ESTC R17896 (printer’s name conjectured by Shawcross and Coleridge, Turnbull Library 42)