Paradise Lost. A Poem In Twelve Books. The Author John Milton. The Fourth Edition, AdornÕd With Sculptures. [Bound with:] Paradise RegainÕd. A Poem in IV Books. To Which Is Added Samson Agonistes. by Milton, John - 1688.

[Printed for Miles Flesher for Jacob Tonson]. RegainÕd: R.E., sold by Randal Taylor,, 1688.. First folio edition of both Paradise Lost & RegainÕd, and the first illustrated edition of Paradise Lost. Very scarce, bound together. . Folio. 3 works in 1 vol.. B2, C-2X4, 2Y-2A2, A-R2, A-H4. Modern antique style calf with panels, speckled, gilt edges, floral gilt designs and gilt rules to spine, title on red leather label, new endpapers. Some light dampstains to outer top margins, light foxing, few outer margin edge tears, no affect, few contemporary ink notes to outer margins. Few small clean tears, with no affect, T2 small hole to outer margin, no affect. Clean tear at lower inner margin of second plate, repaired, small repair to verso third plate and small tear to fourth plate, both with no affect. 2Z2 with repairs to outer margins, no affect. Lacks, as often, the portrait of Milton, also lacks title page, both are supplied in facsimile on period paper. Includes list of subscribers, often missing. Despite very minor flaws, overall, a nice copy for an affordable price of a highly sought after, and usually very expensive book. 12 full page copperplates engraved by Michael Burghers and Peter Paul Bouche after John Bpatiste Medina, Bernard Lens, and others. [Lacks, as often, the portrait of Milton, but supplied in facsimile]. Due to fact original title page is missing we cannot certainly identify which variation publishing this is (at JudgeÕs Hill or at Post-Office in Russell, Bentley or Bentley and Tonson). Both copies cited by ESTC are identical in pagination (see citations listed below).ÒThis rare volume contains the first folio edition of Paradise Lost and the first to be illustratedÓ. [-Wither to Prior 607]. With rare subscribers list, Òamong whom are all the most distinguished characters of the periodÓ (Lowndes, 1558). Pages 251-297 misnumbered 151-197 (as usual). Paradise RegainÕd and Samson Agonistes, each with separate pagination and individual title pages. "...in rescuing from obscurity or oblivion the masterpieces of English authors His first and best triumph in this neglected field was the fourth edition of Milton"s Paradise Lost, which Tonson published with Bentley in 1688 The 1688 edition, in the style of all of Tonson"s more elaborate books, was distinguished by excellent paper, large, clear type and ample margins." [-Kathleen Lynn, Tonson, Kit-Kat Publisher, p128]"Tonson seems to have considered this book his crowning effort for in his portrait, painted by Kneller, he holds a copy." [-Pforzheimer]Dryden referred to Paradise Lost as Òone of the greatest, most noble and sublime poems which either this age or nation has producedÓ.The epic poem Paradise Lost tells the story of SatanÕs rebellion against God, his expulsion from Heaven, and how he tempted Adam and Eve. Paradise Regained tells the story of JesusÕ temptation by Satan and how he resisted. Samson Agonistes is a tragedy based upon Samson of the Old testament, who has had his hair cut off (his super power), and his eyes cut out. Pforzheimer 720, 721. ESTC: R15589 & 13313. Wing M2147-48. Shawcross 345.