POETICAL WORKS OF MILTON, HANDSOMELY BOUND

MILTON, John. The Poetical Works of John Milton. London: John Macrone, 1835. Six volumes. 12mo, mid-20th century full burgundy morocco gilt, raised bands, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. $1900.

Early 19th-century edition of Milton’s collected works, illustrated with 12 engraved plates and handsomely bound by Bayntun, from the esteemed library of Abel E. Berland.

“After Shakespeare and Chaucer, John Milton is the most eminent poet in the English language” (Harold Bloom). Includes all Milton’s verse, including Paradise Lost, “one of the greatest, most noble and sublime poems which either this age or nation has produced” (Dryden). With engraved title pages and frontispieces by artists including J.M.W. Turner. Edited by Sir Egerton Brydges. Bookplates of internationally recognized bibliophile and collector of rare manuscripts Abel E. Berland. Among his 530 treasures were one copy of each of the four Shakespeare folios. “Mr. Berland kept none of his books behind glass to be venerated. They were all on open shelves in his library, to be lived with, touched and enjoyed. ‘The most important thing I can say to you about these books is that I never take them for granted… I am nothing more than their temporary keeper. It is my privilege to visit with them every day, and to be in their company” (New York Times).

Occasional light foxing; light expert reinforcement to a few joints. A fine set, handsomely bound, with distinguished provenance.