Duodecimo edition of Martin's famous illustrated edition, a smaller format issued by the original publisher with 12 stunning mezzotints "unsurpassed as illustrations of Milton's epic" (Campbell, 41).
Very good.
Price: $750.00
"There is a wildness, a grandeur, and a mystery about his designs which are indescribably fine [...] we look upon these engravings to belong to the foremost order of true genius: beyond this there is no praise." — The Literary Gazette, 2 April 1825
Martin had already established himself as an artist by 1816 for his paintings, which were exhibited at both the Royal Academy and the British Institution, but soon expanded into etching. "The striking medium of mezzotint engraving, with its almost photographic tonal effects, was to become particularly associated with Martin's work. Through his exceptionally skillful use of this medium Martin used the newly invented soft steel printing plates to produce rich velvety blacks and bright white highlights which provided a drama perfectly suited to his subjects" (Campbell, 2). His scenes for PARADISE LOST began as a commission from publisher Prowett, but soon became a career-defining work and, indeed, an inspiration for later artists like Gustave Doré. The initial publications were issued in parts between 1824 and 1827, available in four formats with 24 plates; this smaller format seems to have been offered later to reach buyers at a lower price level (though we find no mention of it in Campbell). They retain their reputation as the finest illustrations of the work.
Read more: Campbell, John Martin: Visionary Printmaker.
London: Septimus Prowett, 1829. 12mo, 7'' x 4''. Full contemporary calf, elaborately gilt-stamped spine, gilt rules to boards. Marbled endpapers, specked edges. Illustrated with 12 mezzotints by Martin. 332 pages. Lacking eight divisional titles [A6, C6, F4, H4, L1, N3, P5, Y5]. Spine with creasing, shallow chipping to ends, rubbing. Blank second front fly leaf with 2.75'' section of loss. Offsetting from plates, some scattered foxing.
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