Fine Books and Manuscripts
Fine Books and Manuscripts
From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft
Lot Closed
December 16, 07:43 PM GMT
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft
Milton, John
Eikonoklastes in Answer to a Book Intitl'd Eikwn Basilikh, the Portraiture of His Sacred Majesty in His Solitudes and Sufferings. London: By Matthew Simmons, 1649
4to (186 x 140 mm). Title printed in red and black, type ornaments and woodcut initial, front blanks present; inkstain on I4 effacing one word, ink correction on R1v, paper flaw on Ii1.4 affecting legibility. Later paneled calf antique.
First edition. This book was commissioned by the council of state to be written in reply to the widely read Eikon Basilike, which they feared would stir enough sympathy for the executed Charles I that the commonwealth might be subverted. Following the Restoration, the work was ordered burned and Milton was fortunate to escape with his life. A title scarce enough to be lacking from many fine Milton collections.
REFERENCE:
Wing M 2112; ESTC R202156; Grolier/Wither to Prior 577; Parker p. 963; Pforzheimer 709