Stock #: CRW0716           $1250
PJP Catalog 58.296

     (MILTON JOHN). [TOLAND JOHN].
THE LIFE OF JOHN MILTON CONTAINING BESIDES THE HISTORY OF HIS WORKS SEVERAL EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTERS OF MEN AND BOOKS SECTS PARTIES AND OPINIONS. (London: Printed by John Darby  1699)   195 x 120 mm. (7 5/8 x 4 3/4"). 2 p.l. 5-165 [1] pp. including the initial blank leaf.    First Separate Edition.    Contemporary sprinkled calf rebacked in the 20th century with slightly lighter calf covers framed in blind by a double rule and a delicate scallop edging next to the spine raised bands new crimson morocco label. In a buckram chemise and an attractive full calf slipcase with raised bands and morocco label on spine.       Front pastedown with the bookplates of the Milton Library of Robert J. Wickenheiser of Hannah D. Rabinowitz and of Leonard B. Schlosser (see below); inscription on second endpaper of Benjamin Otbie(?) dated 1804.    Minor abrasions to covers corners somewhat worn but the binding solidly restored and inoffensive. Title page a trifle soiled else fine internally the leaves quite clean and fresh.

First published in 1698 in the "Complete Works" (see previous item) Toland's biography appears here in its first separately printed edition along with Francini's poem in Italian honoring Milton. Toland (1670-1722) consulted the daughter wife and nephews of Milton before embarking on this biography. He concentrates on Milton's politics religious views and poetry more than the incidents of his life and he quotes heavily from Milton's writings throughout explaining in the preface that he does so in order that readers may understand that any controversial ideas are Milton's own. Toland had good reason to attempt to protect himself for his first youthful work "Christianity Not Mysterious"--in which he sought to explain away the miracles of the New Testament--led to a prosecution in England and a condemnation by Parliament in his native Ireland. He erred again in the eyes of his critics with a remark in the present "Life" of Milton when he alluded to "the numerous supposititious pieces under the name of Christ and His Apostles" which challenged the authenticity of some books of the New Testament. Although Toland attempted to make his peace with the Anglican church he gave further offense in later writings in which he attempted to debunk the miracles of the Old Testament. An important member of the Grolier Club (serving on its Council for 15 years) Leonard B. Schlosser (1925-91) amassed probably the most comprehensive collection of materials relating to the history of papermaking ever assembled in a private library. But before his focus turned to paper he had begun collecting Milton and he did so for some 25 years especially seeking out those items of particular interest for their typography and illustration. The present work is surprisingly uncommon in the marketplace.

Coleridge 414; Shawcross 1624; Wing T-1766; Lowndes IV 2692;