The Poetical Works Of John Milton
Edited by Sir Egerton Brydges
Published by William Tegg & Co: London 1853
In Fine Presentation Leather & Gilt Bindings - All Edges Gilt
"The Poetical Works of John Milton, edited by noted bibliophile and literary scholar Sir Samuel Egerton Brydges, presents the poetry of one of the towering figures of English literature in an imposing mid-Victorian edition. Published in London by William Tegg & Co. in 1853, the volume encompasses Milton's celebrated poetical writings and is accompanied by biographical, critical and explanatory material. The preliminary sections include an extensive Life of Milton, placing his literary career within the turbulent political, religious and intellectual world of seventeenth-century England.
Central to the volume are Milton's great works, most notably Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained, together with his shorter poetry and verse in both English and Latin. Milton's extraordinary influence upon English literature scarcely needs introduction: Paradise Lost, his monumental treatment of the Fall of Man, remains one of the defining achievements of English epic poetry. Brydges' editorial treatment was intended to present Milton's writings alongside substantial contextual material, making this a particularly comprehensive nineteenth-century collected edition.
Of additional interest is the book's illustrated character. The title page specifically records that the edition is "Illustrated with Engravings from Drawings by J. M. W. Turner, R.A." Turner had contributed designs to an earlier illustrated edition of Milton, and their inclusion gives this later issue considerable visual appeal. The volume includes an engraved portrait of Milton together with atmospheric engraved subjects illustrating his poetry, combining the work of one of Britain's greatest poets with designs associated with one of its greatest artists.
Especially attractive is the fine period presentation binding, executed in dark leather with elaborate gilt decoration. Both boards carry handsome gilt ornamental borders incorporating Greek-key and scrolling designs, while the spine is richly gilt in compartments with raised bands and the title "Milton's Poetical Works" in gilt. The surviving presentation character is reinforced by the name "P. Sumston" impressed to the endpapers. Despite the evident age-related staining and foxing visible internally, this remains a wonderfully decorative 1853 illustrated edition of Milton, with its combination of substantial literary content, Turner illustrations and handsome Victorian leather-and-gilt binding making it particularly well suited to a traditional library or collection of nineteenth-century illustrated literature."
Light wear to leather covers and spine. Some very old cardboard appears stuck to bottom of back cover corner, refer photos. Includes 7 full page plate illustrations + frontis - there is no index to verify plates however book presents as complete. Pages generally clean and bright with staining to plates as shown. No inscriptions. A stunning copy in fine leather binding with 5 raised bands, this book is in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
