The Poetical Works of John Milton, by John Milton, (Illustrated, Decorative Binding), 1872 ✒️📜🏛️

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is an Illustrated edition of "The Poetical Works of John Milton." Published by William P. Nimmo in Edinburgh in 1872, this volume is a collection of poetry. The book has a decorative binding and a personal inscription from a previous owner.

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2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

"The Poetical Works of John Milton" is a collection of the English poet's literary output. It features his epic poem, "Paradise Lost," as well as "Paradise Regained" and "Samson Agonistes." The volume also includes a biographical sketch of the author by J. M. Ross. The elaborately decorated green and gold binding is an example of Victorian-era book artistry.

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3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

John Milton was a 17th-century English poet and civil servant. He is considered a significant figure in the history of English literature. His epic poem "Paradise Lost" is an enduring achievement. Milton also wrote prose on political and religious liberty.

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1872, this edition belongs to the height of the Victorian era, a period when finely crafted books of classic literature were popular among the middle class. Publishers like W. P. Nimmo catered to this market by producing beautifully bound and decorated editions.

This book's elaborate binding with intricate gilt and stamping is a hallmark of the period's aesthetic. It represents a tangible piece of publishing history, reflecting how a literary classic was presented to readers more than a century ago.

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is for a curator of 17th-century English literature, classical poetry, or a collector of Victorian-era bindings. Its value stems from being a comprehensive collection of a major English poet, produced in an era known for its decorative book artistry. The personal inscription adds a touch of provenance, connecting this specific copy to a past reader.

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This 1872 W. P. Nimmo Edition is a Rare and collectible item. Its primary value stems from being a comprehensive collection of a major English poet produced in an era known for its decorative book artistry. The elaborate green and gold binding is a fine example of late 19th-century publishing aesthetics. The prior ownership inscription adds a personal touch of provenance, making this specific copy a unique piece of personal history.

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is a used hardcover edition with a decorative green cloth binding.

• The binding shows visible wear, including rubbing, scuffing, and some loss of the original finish, particularly on the spine and edges.

• The gilt and black stamping show some fading.

• The pages are age-toned, with some foxing and discoloration.

• The text remains clear and legible.

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8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• John Milton played a role in the English Civil War, advocating for republican ideals.

• His epic poem "Paradise Lost" is a work of great ambition and theological depth.

• The book has a prior ownership inscription, documenting its personal history.

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9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Author: John Milton

• Publication Date: 1872

• Edition: W.P. Nimmo Edition

• Publisher: W. P. Nimmo

• Place of Publication: Edinburgh

• Illustrator(s): Uncredited (but illustrated)

• Origin: Scotland

• Book Cover Type: Hardcover, with decorative pictorial binding.

• Genre: Poetry, Classic, English Literature.

• Transcription: This book contains a prior ownership inscription on the inside front cover, which reads: "Miss Jessie L Stagg".