MILTON, John (1608-1674). Paradise Lost in Ten Books. London: Printed by S. Simmons, and are to be sold by T. Helder at the Angel in Little Brittain, 1669.

First edition of “one of the greatest works of the human imagination,” (ODNB), Amory's third issue. 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, 3; Pforzheimer 718; Wing M2142.

Quarto (176 x 136mm). Ruled throughout (title repaired at gutter, some stains, many small neat repairs, text occasionally in facsimile). Contemporary gilt-ruled calf (rebacked, worn at extremities with corners showing); custom chemise and slipcase.