Books

London: William Heinemann, 1921. First Rackham Edition, number 420 of 550 copies, signed by Rackham. 24 full page mounted color plates, 37 drawings in black and white, end papers in blue and white by Arthur Rackham. 1 vols. Small 4to. Publisher’s half vellum and boards, gilt, t.e.g. Near fine copy (minor soiling to lower board). Rackham, Arthur. First Rackham Edition, number 420 of 550 copies, signed by Rackham. 24 full page mounted color plates, 37 drawings in black and white, end papers in blue and white by Arthur Rackham. 1 vols. Small 4to. Latimore and Haskell pp. 54-55; Riall 143

Comus: A Mask, also known as simply Comus, is a masque written by John Milton in 1634. It was first presented on Michaelmas night, September 29, 1634, before John Egerton, the Earl of Bridgewater, at Ludlow Castle in celebration of his inauguration as Lord President of Wales. Known for its themes of chastity and virtue, the narrative of Comus follows the Lady who is lost in the woods and tempted by the enchanter Comus. Her virtue and steadfastness against seduction are celebrated in the masque.

Identifying a first edition of Comus would entail research into the typography, paper, binding, and any available historical records of the 1634 edition published by Humphrey Robinson.