A monumental Victorian edition of John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost, featuring the iconic illustrations by Gustave Doré. Edited with notes and a Life of Milton by Robert Vaughan, D.D. Published by Cassell Petter & Galpin, London.
Historical Context & Dating:
While the title page is undated, this volume contains a handwritten gift inscription dated May 1879 on the front flyleaf ("Rev'd H. H. Wyatt..."), confirming its publication prior to that date. The publisher's imprint "Cassell Petter & Galpin" further dates this copy to between 1866 and 1878, before the firm became Cassell, Petter, Galpin & Co.
Illustrations:
Contains Doré's famous full-page wood engravings, renowned for their dramatic use of chiaroscuro, depicting the fall of Satan, the pandemonium of Hell, and the expulsion from Eden.
Condition Report: Grade: Acceptable / Poor (Needs Restoration)
Binding: Original red cloth with gilt titles. The spine is heavily damaged, torn, and detaching at the hinges (see photos). Boards show wear, staining, and bumped corners.
Interior: Water staining (dampstaining) is visible along the top margins of the title page and preliminary pages. Foxing (age spotting) is present throughout.
Inscriptions: Provenance inscriptions from 1879 and 1955 on endpapers.
Pages/Plates: Despite the binding issues, the text block holds together, and the magnificent plates remain suitable for reference or potential framing.
Collectors Summary:
An affordable copy of this classic Doré folio. Ideal for breakers (seeking plates for framing), bookbinders looking for a restoration project, or collectors seeking a reading copy of this masterpiece.
Gustave Dore, Paradise Lost, John Milton, 1870s, Cassell Petter Galpin, Antique Book, Illustrated, Wood Engraving, Large Folio, Victorian Binding, Satan, Religious Art, Epic Poem, Robert Vaughan, Rare Books, Engravings, 19th Century, Art History, Collectible, Restoration Project, Biblical Art.