Paradise Lost, a Poem in Twelve Books

John Milton

Published by Miles Flesher for Jacob Tonson, London, 1688

About this Item

"Paradise Lost. A Poem in Twelve Books" by John Milton. First Illustrated Edition. Published in London in 1688, by Miles Flesher for Jacob Tonson. Engraved Frontispiece with an additional 11 full page engravings (Lacking an engraving). Fourth Edition; First Illustrated Edition. Binding measures 13.75 by 8 1/2 inches in a modern half leather binding with marbled boards. Pages measure approximately 13.25" x 8.25" (34cm x 21cm). Possibly the large paper copy, also carrying the watermark of grapes on the title and at least one other page. Text is continuous despite erratic pagination; one of three imprint variants of this edition. Frontis portrait (plate) of the author signed: R. White sculp. Some plates signed by M. Burghers and Peter Paul Bouche. The most important work by one of England's most important poets - with striking and beautiful large format engraved illustrations. The publisher also included an engraving of Milton, with a verse by John Dryden comparing him to the great Roman and Greek epic poets. The book was sold at a high price to 500 subscribers, who are listed at the back of the book to give it additional distinction. The title page is laid down on a contemporary page which matches the rest of the book. At the bottom of the spine there is an embossed date of 1788, an unfortunate binder's error as the title page date clearly states 1688 in Roman Numerals (MDCLXXXVIII). Please view the many other rare titles available for purchase at our store. We are always interested in purchasing individual or collections of fine books. Inventory #(K9-14).

Seller Inventory # 004058

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Paradise Lost, a Poem in Twelve Books
• Publisher: Miles Flesher for Jacob Tonson, London
• Publication Date: 1688
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Peter Paul Bouche, M. Burghers
• Edition: First Edition Thus.
• Condition: Good
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)