MILTON, John (1608-1674). Paradise Lost in Ten Books. London: Printed by S. Simmons to be sold by T. Helder, 1669.

First edition of “one of the greatest works of the human imagination” (ODNB). Amory's third issue, comprising a reissue of the second with a new title. 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 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" and his cosmic epic takes place in an assuredly Copernican universe. Hugh Amory, "Things Unattempted Yet: A bibliography of the first edition of Paradise lost," in: The Book Collector, Spring 1983, pp. 41-66; Pforzheimer 718 (as the "seventh title"); Wing M2142.

Quarto (181 x 135mm). Cancel title, gatherings Z and Vv in uncorrected setting. Ruled (title and last 3 leaves restored at inner margin, more substantially with some text in facsimile in the endleaves, especially the final leaf; browned, a few edges a little chipped). 19th-century oxblood morocco gilt by Riviere, marbled doublures, edges gilt (upper joint splitting, wear at extremities). Provenance: "Richard Bagnall" (early inscription on reverse of title).