Milton, John.

small 4to (176 x 130mm), first edition, Amory's no.3 issue (traditional 5th title page), "Angel" in imprint in roman, with note from the printer to the reader on ^{[P]A2r (first state, second variant, in five lines), contemporary calf, upper and lower covers with blind double fillets, red speckled edges, neat repairs to hinges and joints, T4 slightly torn at outer margin and lower corner, Ff 1 slightly torn at lower corner, slightly browned, a near fine, unsophisticated copy}

"M. Harrison [..] Johns[ ] | Camb[]" (inscription partially torn away); "Lawrence Harrison. 1810" ; "Lawrence J. Harrison. Univ: Coll: 1851", ownership inscriptions on front endpaper

Hugh Amory, issue no.3, "Things Unattempted Yet", The Book Collector, Spring 1983, pp.41-66;  Hayward 72; Pforzheimer 718; Wing M2142; Grolier Wither to Prior 603

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

a near fine copy in a contemporary binding of arguably the greatest poetic achievement in the english language, long regarded as the supreme epic of both the English nation and all Christendom.