- 35
M[ilton], J[ohn].
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
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Description
- EikonoklasthV in Answer to a Book Intitl'd Eikwn Basilikh... by Matthew Simmons, 1649
4to (184 x 136mm.), first edition, title page in red and black, issue with 108 and 109 misprinted 110 and 111, twentieth-century full black embossed morocco, spine in compartments, red edges, lacking preliminary blank (A1), short tear to L4 (not affecting text), loss to corner of R3 (not affecting text), some minor restoration
The official reply, commissioned by the council of state, to the popular Eikon Basilike, which had been published on 9 February the same year, ten days after the execution of Charles I (reputedly written by the king it was in fact by his chaplain John Gauden). The council of state was worried that sympathy for the king could subvert the commonwealth; when John Selden declined the invitation to respond the council turned to Milton, who published his reply in October. Twelve years later, at the Restoration, all copies of the work were ordered to be confiscated and burned by the common hangman, and Milton was fortunate in escaping with his life.
The official reply, commissioned by the council of state, to the popular Eikon Basilike, which had been published on 9 February the same year, ten days after the execution of Charles I (reputedly written by the king it was in fact by his chaplain John Gauden). The council of state was worried that sympathy for the king could subvert the commonwealth; when John Selden declined the invitation to respond the council turned to Milton, who published his reply in October. Twelve years later, at the Restoration, all copies of the work were ordered to be confiscated and burned by the common hangman, and Milton was fortunate in escaping with his life.
Provenance
Edward Whittaker Hennell, bookplate; Thomas Edward Watson, armorial bookplate
Literature
Grolier Wither to Prior 577; Parker p. 963, Coleridge 18, with pp. 108 & 109 misprinted 110 and 11; Wing M2112
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."
"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."