1676 – John Milton’s Republican Letters | Criticism of Cromwell & English Government

In 1676, the year of the first printing, two editions of Literae Pseudo-senatus by John Milton were published by Fricx. They are identifiable by the printer’s device on the title page – the ‘face edition’ and the ‘basket of fruit’ edition. The first printing had an image of a basket of fruit, while the second printing featured a decorative face above the imprint. (Hunter, A Milton Encyclopedia). The present edition is the latter, which Milton attempted to duplicate the first edition. This book is a collection of 136 state-papers or dispatches written by John Milton to the Council of State on his views of republicanism.

This work seems to have been the source for editions in German, but those are not attributed to John Milton. With dozens of other printings in various language, it is clear that a number of manuscripts of this text were available, some of which were significantly more accurate than others. This book saw its first publication after Milton’s death – and did not appear in England until 1682 in an anonymous translation called “Milton’s Republican Letters.”

When Cromwell came to power in 1651, John Milton believed that the Commonwealth was not following proper governmental paths and procedures. These are many of Milton’s republican ideals.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Literæ pseudo-senatûs Anglicani, Cromwellii, reliquorumque perduellium nomine ac jussu conscriptæ Joanne Miltono
• Author(s): John Milton
• Publisher: [Brussels] : Impressæ [by E. Fricx]
• Edition: First Edition. 1676.
  • Edition point: features ‘basket of fruit’ vignette on title page
• Format: (16mo), single volume
• Binding: Full leather
• Size:  5.5in x 3.5in (14cm x 9cm)
• Collation: [4], 234, [2]
• Illustrations:
• Contents Include:
  • 136 Political Dispatches to the Council of State
• Reference(s): Hunter, A Milton Encyclopedia

Condition:

Very Good. Bound in full leather with professional spine and hinge restoration. Mild rubbing to the edges, corners slightly worn. Text block tight and secure. Pages are clean with no notable tears or foxing.

Why Collect This?

• Rare first edition with the fruit basket vignette on the title page
• Continental edition published before any English-language version

Item Number: #29601