Paradise Lost, A Poem in Twelve Books

John Milton (9 December 1608 - 8 November 1674) was blind and impoverished when he wrote Paradise Lost. The first version, published in 1667, consisted of ten books. A second edition followed in 1674, arranged into twelve books. This edition was published in 1747 and edited by John Hawkey.

This volume, almost 3 centuries old, has graced the libraries of several owners. The writings and small bookplate on the inside cover are witness to that. This is the S. Powell (Dublin) 1747 printing, for the editor, John Hawkey, of John Milton’s classic epic, "Paradise Lost, A Poem in Twelve Books" (394 numbered pages, plus 6 page commentary). This is noted as having been "compared with the authentic editions, and revised by John Hawkey".

The full leather cover (app. 5.75" x 9") is worn, with bumped outside corners and cracks to the hinges, but with both front and back covers attached. The spine, with five raised bands and faded gilt lettering, is straight and securely attached, but worn, with missing surface to part of the lettering (see photo).

The front inside cover spread has several notations, including a purchase date, with the year faded, the name Douglas, followed by the name Diogenes, with the year 1796, framed in red, followed by Moloc furious and Kings.

There is an embossed name stamp, J. O. Edwards, attached below he writing. The adjacent front end page has the pencil notations 1st Hawkey, Dublin, 1747, and one short word, possibly a name, in ink. The only other writing in the book is the name Sandler, in ink, to the inside back cover. There are no stamps or other attachments, beyond that noted above.

The end pages have the most wear, with a few small holes at the front, and a stain at the bottom of the last two end leaves. The pages throughout the book are in very good overall condition, with occasional light foxing or similar stains, but with no prominent stains, and with all text uniformly unfaded and clearly legible. The binding is secure, with no loose or missing pages. There are a few edge chips, but no significant tears or prominent creases.

The accompanying photos are of this copy.

Reserve: $230.00

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