Milton | The Paradise Lost, illustrated by John Martin, London, 1827, 2 volumes, navy morocco gilt

John Milton

The Paradise Lost... with illustrations, designed and engraved by John Martin. London: Septimus Prowett, 1827

2 volumes, 8vo (255 x 175mm.), 24 mezzotint plates, contemporary navy morocco gilt over bevelled boards, spines gilt in compartments, gilt edges, some spotting

Martin's mezzotint engravings for Paradise Lost are considered to be some of the finest Milton illustrations, with strong contrasts of light and dark, and futuristic scenes derived from contemporary industrial landscapes. They were issued by Prowett in monthly installments from 1824 onwards, before this book edition appeared in 1827. Several copies are recorded with bindings by Charles Murton, though the present binding is not signed.

PROVENANCE:

Alec L. Rea (1878-1953, of Liverpool), pencil inscription dated 1916; John William Waterer, bookplates