Paradise Lost First 12mo Edition W/Portrait And 12 Engraved Photos Leather Bound

The scarce first 12mo edition of Milton's Paradise Lost, printed in London by Jacob Tonson in 1711. Although the ninth edition overall, this was the first time the poem appeared in a compact portable format. The volume is illustrated with the engraved portrait frontispiece of Milton and twelve full-page engravings, one at the start of each book, adapted in miniature from the plates of the celebrated 1688 folio edition. The text is complete with the final 42-page index. Several pages are misnumbered, as called for in ESTC, but the text runs continuously without loss. Modern rebind in full calf with gilt borders and red Morocco spine label, incorporating period style blind rules. Ownership inscription of H.H. Riach dated 1870 to the second blank. It is in Near Fine condition, the binding fresh and sound, pages showing light foxing in places, engravings sharp and well-impressed. A scarce and appealing copy of this important early illustrated edition of Milton's epic poem.