First issued as "The Cabinet-Council, Containing the Chief Arts of Empire, and Mysteries of State; Discabinated in Political and Polemical Aphorisms" by John Milton in 1660. The unsold copies were re-issued by the publisher in 1661, omitting Milton's name from the title, together with his preface, presumably in order not to hinder sales following the proclamation of 1660 condemning the author's Pro populo Anglicano defensio.

This is "The Arts of Empire" 1692 with a new title page. "The Arts of Empire, and Mysteries of State Discabineted. In Politics and Polemica Aphorisms, grounded on Authority and Ex-perience," published by John Milton, London, 1692, and Printed by G. Croom for Joseph Watts. [Sabin page 278, 281]

Although Milton believed that the manuscript he edited was by Raleigh, the attribution is doubtful. Cf. William Riley Parker, "Milton", p. 516-517 and Shawcross, 256.

Octavo, [12] 238 pages. Three-quarter bound in brown calf, paneled spine with gilt bands and gilt lettering. Marbled boards. A4, B-P8, Q7; lacking final advertisement leaf Q8. Single small stamp on verso of title page for the Selbourne Library. Mild soiling to interior. Title page has some rubbing to edges, illegible name to top of page.

Wing R187, ESTC Citation No. R9026;

JG consignment. Shelved in Case 0.