Paradise Lost
Books produced at Doves Press bindery, such as this copy of "Paradise Lost," reflect the aesthetic leanings of its founder, T. J. Cobden-Sanderson (1840–1922). Although influenced by his friend William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Cobden-Sanderson's approach to what he called the "book beautiful" differed from the production of Morris's Kelmscott Press. Cobden-Sanderson favored clean open lines and margins, in a modern translation of Renaissance ideals. Each book was an individually created work of art, painstakingly crafted from only the finest materials. For this reason, books from Doves Press reached a small but prestigious audience. The binding of the volume shown here is a fine example of the rich leathers and meticulous goldwork preferred by Cobden-Sanderson.
Illustrated: full red goatskin, gold-tooled binding, by the Doves Bindery, signed "19C-S05"
Illustrated: full red goatskin, gold-tooled binding, by the Doves Bindery, signed "19C-S05"
Artwork Details
- Title: Paradise Lost
- Author: John Milton (British, London 1608–1674 London)
- Date: 1902
- Culture: Hammersmith: Doves Press, 1902
- Medium: Printed book
- Dimensions: 386 + [2] pp.; H: 9 1/2 in. (24 cm)
- Credit Line: Presented by Alice M. Dike
- Object Number: 926.1 M642
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