[Literature] Milton, John. Paradise Lost

London: Septimus Prowett, 1825-26. In 12 original parts. Imperial quarto issue, 15 x 11 in. (381 x 279 mm). Illustrated with 24 mezzotint plates (two in each part), each with tissue guard, by John Martin. Original and rare quarter leather over stiff printed blue-grey wrappers; Part I rebacked to style, small loss in top corner of same (as well front blank); scattered light to moderate wear and rubbing along spines (losses and chipping to same of Part III); scattered soiling to wrappers; creasing and short closed tears along extremities of each volume; closed tear in top edge of front wrapper, Part XI; four-inch closed tear on rear wrapper, Part XII; text partially unopened; scattered spotting and foxing to text and plates; two small puncture holes in top edge of plates in Part XI; title-page and dedication supplied in Part XII; in red cloth fall-down-back box, book-plate of Robert H. & Donna L. Jackson on inner front board of same. Wees & Campbell, Nos. 26-49; Ray 69

Rare and complete in original 12 parts, with all 24 of John Martin's magnificent mezzotints, considered "one of the great publishing enterprises of the age" (Ray). Published between 1825-27, each of the twelve parts appeared every few months, each containing one twelfth of the text and two plates. Martin's illustrations were the first of Milton's work to appear in mezzotint, and were unique compared to his predecessors, whereas they "minimized the context and filled the image with large, dramatic figures, Martin exaggerated the setting by creating great vistas and vast stretches of architecture..." (Wees & Campbell). The dramatic painterly quality and rich tonality of Martin's prints greatly elevated the medium of mezzotint, and were met with critical acclaim upon their publication, with one contemporary reviewer writing, "we know of no artist, whose genius so perfectly fitted him to be the illustrator of the mighty Milton...there is a wildness, a grandeur, and a mystery about his designs which are indescribably fine...the wonders of that Heaven and Hell which existed before earth was made, are magnificently embodied..." (Wees & Campbell).

According to RBH, this is the only complete set in parts and original wrappers to come to auction since 1995.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Provenance

From the collection of Justin G. Schiller

[Literature] Milton, John. Paradise Lost