Paradise Lost, second issue, the Doheny copy - photo 1
Paradise Lost, second issue, the Doheny copy - photo 2

Paradise Lost, second issue, the Doheny copy

Lot 51
27.06.2024 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
$ 27 720
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 1236281
Lot 51 | Paradise Lost, second issue, the Doheny copy
Estimate value
$ 15 000 – 25 000
MILTON, John (1608-1674). Paradise Lost. London: Printed by S. Simmons, and to be sold by S. Thomson, H. Mortlack, M. Walker, and R. Boulter, 1668.

The Doheny copy of the first edition of “one of the greatest works of the human imagination” (ODNB). Amory's second issue, i.e. the first in which the new preliminary matter appears. Milton is still unsurpassed as the greatest writer of English epic. The poem declares up front its aim to "justify the ways of God to man," but explores themes both universal and personal—with Satan's seductive fascism, the surreal eroticism of the angels and the unknowable world of God, and Milton’s engagement with the science of his time continuing to captivate readers centuries later. Milton, who visited Galileo in Italy in 1638, was the first author to use the word "space" in our modern sense "outer space;" he was a supporter of Cromwell's revolution while also an outspoken critic of his Parliament, expressing values and ideas which still strongly resonate today—and throughout his poem. This is the issue with the 6-line state of “Printer to the Reader” leaf. Hugh Amory, "Things Unattempted Yet: A bibliography of the first edition of Paradise lost," in: The Book Collector, Spring 1983, pp. 41-66 (2); Pforzheimer 718 (as the "fifth title"); Wing M2138 (as "fourth state").

Small quarto (182 x 130mm). (A few skillful repairs to margins of prelims, some browning). Contemporary calf (rebacked with original spine laid down, contemporary manuscript waste visible at hinges, losses to endpapers). Custom slipcase. Provenance: deleted old pencil inscription to recto of first leaf – Estelle Doheny (red morocco bookplate; her sale, Christie's New York, 1 February 1988, lot 823) – Michael Sharpe (bookplate) – Sotheby's New York, 11 December 2009, Lot 200.
Artist:John Milton (1608 - 1674)
Place of origin:England
Auction house category:Printed books
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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13.06.2024 – 27.06.2024
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
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