The sponsor a book scheme has allowed supporters to conserve important texts in return for a personalised book-plate, and an individual conservation report outlining the work undertaken. We’d like to thank every donor who has generously supported the preservation of our collection for the generations ahead.
An item recently returned to us from conservation was written by one of Christ’s most notable alumni, John Milton. Whilst most commonly known for writing the epic poem ‘Paradise Lost’, 1667, Milton also actively wrote many essays and tracts regarding his views on politics and society.
Initially published anonymously in 1643, Milton’s ‘The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce: Restor’d to the Good Sexes, From the Bondage of Canon Law’ was addressed to Parliament and the Westminster Assembly of Divines, within which Milton promotes the lawfulness of divorce and argues in favour of a second chance at marriage.
This forms the first of four tracts that Milton wrote on the subject of divorce. These tracts are believed to have been partly written as a reflection of his own experiences, whilst also serving as a wider call for church reform.
In many ways, Milton’s ideas on marriage reflect more modern ways of thinking. He felt that for marriage to work, both individuals must feel a strong intellectual and spiritual connection and, should this not be the case, people must be given the freedom to manage their own households and free themselves from a relationship if deemed to be incompatible.
The copy that we hold in our collection is a second, revised edition published in 1645. The cover leather had unfortunately split across both joints of the spine due to overuse, whilst the board corners had softened with a loss of cover material. There was also some surface dirt and foxing - an age related process of deterioration that causes spots and browning on books - throughout the pages.
Thanks to the generous donation offered through our Sponsor a Book scheme, this book has now been repaired and given a new lease of life. Our Milton collection is one of great significance and pride to the Library and the College, and we are incredibly grateful that this item can be returned to its shelves in a much more stable condition for future use and enjoyment.
