John Milton Eikonoklastes 1649 Original Book Fragment Title Page Preface Leaves
By John Milton
John Milton, Eikonoklastes in Answer to a Book Intitl’d Eikon Basilike. London: Matthew Simmons, 1649.
Offered for sale is an original 1649 fragment of John Milton’s famous Commonwealth polemic Eikonoklastes. This is not a complete book. It is a disbound and incomplete survival retaining:
- title page
- entire preface
- pages 1–54
- pages 73–76
- pages 159–166
All other leaves are missing, and there is no binding or cover.
The title page, printed in red and black, is the most important surviving feature and presents well. The supplied images show expected age-toning, light to moderate soiling, edge wear, and corner creasing. Interior leaves show similar honest age and handling wear, but the text remains generally dark and legible. This should be purchased as a genuine 17th-century Milton fragment, not as a complete copy.
A desirable item for collectors of:
- John Milton
- English Civil War / Commonwealth material
- 17th-century printing
- early English literature
- antiquarian book fragments
Please review all photos carefully. Sold as an incomplete original fragment.
Condition field
Acceptable / Antiquarian fragment condition
Or, if you want fuller wording in the description:
Condition: Disbound and incomplete. No covers or binding. Title page present. Leaves toned with age, with light to moderate soiling, edge wear, and corner creasing. Generally sound and readable in the photographed leaves. Sold as a fragment.
