Lot 15: I am a restricted lot - Chinese, Swords

MARTIN, JOHN

Illustrations to Paradise Lost. London: published by Septimus Prowett, printed by Chatfield & Co. and J. Lahee, 1825. The Imperial Octavo edition of the plates (only), in proof state with all but two plates scratch-lettered Proof or PROOF, probably from the edition of 50. Half green roan of the period, marbled sides. 17 1/4 x 10 7/8 inches (437 x 278 mm); the complete set of 24 mezzotints, plates 6 1/8 x 7 1/2 inches (14 x 207 cm) or the reverse; some plates with etching and touches of drypoint, printed on laid paper, crisp, strong and velvety impressions, with intense contrasts. Some wear to binding, some very minor scattered foxing, mostly marginal, two plates with minor worming in the fore-margin. Without the text (as issued) the corresponding texts to the plates tipped-in on slips of paper written in a fine hand of the period.