Milton's L'Allegro and Il Penseroso; illustrations with etchings on steel by Birket Foster
first edition Full Calf
1855 · London
by Milton, John ; Birket Foster [illustrator]
London: David Bogue, 1855. First Edition. Full Calf. Good. First Edition. Full Calf. "Milton's "twin" poems L'Allegro and Il Penseroso are related to the synkriseis tradition of classical literature. In this concept, the merits of values of two opposing ideas or things are debated. Milton uses the contrasting settings of day and night to present readers with two men: the cheerful, amiable man of L'Allegro and the contemplative, melancholy man of Il Penseroso. While L'Allegro is light and melodic, creating a happy pastoral world, Il Penseroso paints a darker picture, with a slower pace and shadowry images to evoke a melancholy mood." (Deb Jensen). This copy includes a bookplate of Franklin Dexter. Bound in full calf with gold and blind stamped decoration. All gilt edges. Some bumping to corners, wear and rubbing to boards and spine. Two small closed tears to blank page opposite title-page, front endpaper detached and some leaves detached near rear. Sporadic foxing to a few pages not affecting text or plates. 8 vo, 24 unnumbered leaves with 29 in text illustrations, including a portrait of Milton from the picture by Samuel Cooper. (Inventory #: 6025)