Paradise Lost

John Milton (1608-1674).
Paradise Lost... Birmingham: Printed by John Baskerville for J. and R. Tonson, 1758.
(SPL) PR 3560 1758

in 1750, at the age of 44, Baskerville began developing his print shop in Birmingham, but it was not until 1757 that he sold his first book. Baskerville believed very strongly in the quality of craftsmanship of his books. As a result, he spent seven years hand designing a typeface, creating his own presses and inks—all to standards well above those of his contemporary colleagues.

This edition of Paradise Lost, published in 1758, was his second book. It was reprinted twice, first in 1759 and again in 1760. (Special Collections holds all three editions). These books were published by arrangement with the Tonsons in London, who received and sold the books.

Baskerville’s editions are noted for their high quality and precise craftsmanship, and his Paradise Lost is no exception. What is unique to this edition is his preface, the only one he ever wrote, describing his aims and goals in the field of publishing. In it, he admits a great passion for founding his own type—“I became insensibly desirous of contributing to the perfection of them”—and cites his indebtedness to William Caslon: “Mr. Caslon is an Artist, to whom the Republic of Learning has great obligations; his ingenuity has left a fairer copy for my emulation, than any other master.”