The Queen's Wake: A Legendary Poem
By James Hogg (The Ettrick Shepherd)
Published by Thomas Nelson: Edinburgh 1844
Original Green Leather & Git Bindings - Frontis - All Edges Gilt - Diminutive Size
"A scarce early nineteenth-century edition of The Poetical Works Of John Milton, presented here as Volume II only of a three-volume set, printed in London by Hazard and Carthew in 1809. This volume contains substantial portions of Milton's immortal Paradise Lost together with Paradise Regain'd, accompanied by "The Life Of The Author" by the celebrated man of letters Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Issued during the Georgian era, the work reflects the enduring reverence afforded to Milton as one of the towering figures of English poetry, whose influence shaped generations of Romantic and Victorian writers.
Bound in its original period paper-covered boards, this survivor retains a wonderfully authentic early nineteenth-century appearance despite significant wear and loss to the outer spine covering. The text block remains remarkably intact with visible original sewing structure, untrimmed character, and pleasing aged paper throughout. Contents include Books VII-XII of Paradise Lost together with all four books of Paradise Regain'd, making this an appealing working or reference copy for collectors, readers, and restorers alike. The worn state of the binding speaks to two centuries of use and preservation rather than later rebinding or over-restoration.
Books in untouched original boards from this period are increasingly difficult to encounter, particularly examples preserving their early structure and typography. While incomplete as a set and lacking the outer spine, the volume retains strong decorative and historical appeal as an early Milton imprint from the Napoleonic era. A desirable piece for collectors of Georgian literature, English poetry, antiquarian bindings, and admirers of Milton's epic verse."
Light wear to covers and spine. Beautiful inscriptions and provenance to front endpapers. Frontis and vignette with age toning otherwise pages very clean and well presented. A stunning, presentation copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
