Mr Edward Dawson writes: This very rare copy - only 34 copies are known - of the 5th (2nd illustrated) edition of Paradise Lost completes the Milton's Cottage Trust's collection of i7th century editions of this work. Its companion between the covers, Paradise Regained, 3rd edition, is also a welcome new addition to our collections. It seems to have been planned as uniform with the 1688 edition of Paradise Lost, and is often found bound with it.
Both works in the present volume are in fine condition, handsomely bound together in contemporary panelled, mottled calf with an elaborately gilt spine.
The book contains the late 18th century armorial bookplate of Christopher Tower, of Weald Hall, Essex, and modern bookplates of Arnold Muirhead and J. O. Edwards.