The Poetical Works of John Milton

London: Rivingtons; Longman and Co.. 1852.

Four volumes. Fifth edition. 8vo, 217x135mm. pp. xxviii, 523 [1]; [4], 589, [1]; xxiii [i], 431 [1]; viii, 560. Handsomely bound by J. Wright (signed to foot of front pastedown) in blue morocco with triple fillet borders inside which are gilt swags. Spine with five raised bands, compartments lavishly decorated in gilt, second and third compartments lettered in gilt. Edges of boards with gilt roll and turn-ins decorated in gilt. All edges gilt. John Wright was a London binder who worked for thirteen years until his death from cholera in 1854 (an outbreak that also caused the death of five others working with him). Ramsden describes him as "a binder of the highest order" and this is a smart set of Milton combining classical restraint on the covers with baroque exuberance on the spine. Some very slight rubbing to the corners to the edges in places but overall a very good set indeed and internally near fine. Each volume is inscribed "Marilla Baily from her affectionate Father and Mother August 3rd 1857".