Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained

London: The Cresset Press, 1931. Two volumes. Folio. One of 195 copies on Batchelor's handmade paper. (This copy #105). Set in type from a copy of the Revised 1674 edition (Paradise Lost) and the first edition of 1671 (Paradise Regained). Twenty wood-engravings (16 full-page, plus head- and tail-pieces in each volume) were designed and engraved on wood by Demitrios Galanis. Title page and Initial letters designed by Anna Simmons. The copies were printed Bernard Newdigate at Shakespeare Head Press, in Oxford. Volume I, (i)-xii, (1)-442, colophon; Volume II, (i-vi), (1)-88, colophon. 370 x 260 mm (14¾ x 10½ inches). Sold with this item, is a prospectus for this work, dated 1930, by Cresset Press, New York. This is printed in red and black 720 mm x 500 mm. Folded. Contains two engravings (one full page) and a leaf of the text. To the rear, is an apology to the Golden Cockerel Press for publishing a Milton at the same time that they are. "The last and most beautiful book issued by the Cresset Press" (Sothebys). Mr D. Galanis "Who, on the continent, is considered one of the finest contemporary wood-engravers" (Cresset advertising leaflet). No slipcase. Marking to the covers and an area of damp staining to the back of Volume II. Inside, Volume I is spotless. There is a fractional staining to the last few leaves of Volume II (corresponding to the damp stain on the boards). Otherwise in excellent condition.