"How smooth, strong and elaborate it all is! What poetry! I can conceive that even Shakespeare after this would seem a little troubled, personal, hot and imperfect. I can conceive that this is the essence, of which almost all other poetry is the dilution."

John Boydell (1719-1804), engraver, print publisher, patron of the arts, Lord Mayor of London. Boydell commissioned leading artists of the day to produce lavish editions of the greatest English writers. 

"My friend Alderman Boydell did more for the advancement of arts in England than the whole mass of nobility put together." --James Northcote, prominent painter and close associate of Sir Joshua Reynolds and William Hazlitt.

"That Milton, of all our English race, is by his diction and rhythm the one artist of the highest rank in the great style whom we have; this I take as requiring no discussion, this I take as certain."

MILTON, John. The Poetical Works of John Milton with a Life of the Author by William Hayley. London: for John and Josiah Boydell, and George Nicol, 1794-1797. Large folio, contemporary full red morocco gilt, all edges gilt. Three volumes.

Some scuffing to bindings, tissue guards foxed. A beautiful copy in a beautiful contemporary binding.