London: Printed for J. Beecroft, et al., 1770. Seventh edition. 2 volumes, 8vo (210 x 127 mm). Frontispiece with 12 engraved illustrations. 19th century half calf, spine rebacked with modern cloth with original calf laid over, rubbing; some very light spotting throughout.

The genesis for Milton's epic poem is believed to have come during the author's boyhood. Following his blindness in 1652 coupled with suffering from gout and then the death of his wife and infant daughter in 1658 Milton began work on the poem in earnest, dictating it to scribes, close friends, and his older daughters. The original 1667 printing was divided into ten books, with the text reorganized into twelve for the 1674 printing.