Milton, John

Joannis Miltoni Angli Pro Populo Anglicano Defensio, contra Claudii Anonymi, alias Salmasii, Defensionem Regiam [Wing, M2169A]

London: Typis Du Gardianis, 1652. Hardcover. 276, [12] p.; 14 cm. Signatures: A-M12 (12mo). Errors in signing: B7 signed B6, L7 signed L6. Contemporary full calf with six spine compartments between raised bands. Gilt-tooled title in second compartment; gilt-tooled decoration in other compartments. All page edges speckled red. Title vignette of a double shield bearing a cross and a harp. Woodcut head- and tail-pieces and initial letter. Wing, M2169A. John Milton's popular rejection of the divine right of kings and defense of the English Commonwealth's actions has been described as "The best apology that ever was offered for bringing Kings to the Block." Its popularity resulted in seven known editions in 1651 and two more in 1652, of which this is one. The House of Commons ordered that it be burned by the common hangman in 1660. In Good+ Condition: leather is worn; loss at head and tail of spine; lacking part of spine label and some gilt decoration; leather is separated at joints, but stitching is solid; pages are clean and tight. Good +. Item #003070

Price: $545.00