Paradise Lost John Milton Illustrated by Gustave Dore Thompson & Thomas Chicago Large, 9.5" x 12" gift -book design. N.D.; circa 1900. Ornately decorated cover and spine embossed in bronzed gilt and black; dramatically portrays angels Michael and Abdiel flying w/sword and spear above rocky shoreline. Dk. green full-cloth boards, cover and spine design, moderate shelf wear, rub.

Illustrated throughout w/full-page engravings by the famed illustrator, Gustave Dore. Solid example w/ dramatic cover design. Among the events depicted: the expulsion of Satan from Heaven, Adam and Eve in Paradise, the nine-day fall of Lucifer's legions to Hell, the Creation, the temptation of Eve, and the Flood. With an erudite introduction by Robert Vaughan. Milton's epic poem concerns the Biblical story of the Fall of Man: the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Milton's purpose, stated in Book I, is to "justify the ways of God to men." Often considered one of the greatest literary works in the English language. John Milton (1608-1674) spent his early years in scholarly pursuit. In 1649 he took up the cause for the new Commonwealth, defending the English revolution both in English and Latin - and sacrificing his eyesight in the process. He risked his life by publishing The Ready and Easy Way to Establish a Free Commonwealth on the eve of the Restoration (1660). His great poems were published after this political defeat.

Book is in acceptable condition for age. With binding coming loose, first few and last pages loose or coming loose. Most page intact and in good condition. Complete. As is.