A truly exceptional and rare copy of John Milton's epic masterpiece, Paradise Lost. A Poem, in Twelve Books, published in London by Jacob Tonson in 1705. 8vo. 483 pages - Followed by a nine-page "Table of "The Most Remarkable Parts of Milton's Paradise Lost." This volume represents the early seventh edition and is particularly significant as it is the first printing issued in the Octavo (8vo) format, printed between 1705 and 1707. This smaller, more intimate size makes it a highly desirable collector's piece.
 
Condition and Plates
This near-fine copy has been expertly preserved and rebound in a handsome new full calf leather binding, featuring the original black title label in gilt to the spine, and refreshed endpapers. The 483 pages remain bright and clean, a testament to the care this book has received over the centuries. It is complete with all of its original illustrative material: a striking engraved portrait frontispiece of Milton and 12 magnificent, engraved copper plates—one preceding each of the twelve books. These plates feature Eland's engravings after John Baptist Medina but have been mirrored and resized for this smaller Octavo printing. Crucially, the plates in this copy lack the heavy toning and foxing so often found in books of this age, presenting the artwork in remarkably crisp detail. The main text is followed by a nine-page "Table of The Most Remarkable Parts of Milton's Paradise Lost."
 
Extraordinary Provenance
Adding immeasurable value and historical depth, this copy boasts an amazing provenance traced through a succession of distinguished owners. This ownership history is documented via the Armorial and illustrated bookplates and inscriptions within the volume:
Sir Andrew Agnew (1687-1771): 5th Baronet of Lochnaw, Scotland, identified by his Armorial Bookplate.
Sir George Pitt (1721-1803): The First Baron Rivers, Member of Parliament and British Ambassador to Spain (1770), identified by his Armorial Bookplate.
Maryanne Royston Steadman: (Year Unknown) Identified by her Armorial Bookplate with family crest.
Mervyn Lagdon (1900-1958): Author, identified by his Illustrated Bookplate.
T. Olzendam: Identified by an Ink Ownership inscription dated 1927.
 
Own this exceptionally rare, complete, and highly attractive volume and foundational work of English literature. —a key piece in the printing history of Paradise Lost—is a superb acquisition for any collector of classic literature, early English poetry, or historically significant books.