Arizona Library Discovers Handwritten Notes From Famous Poet Inside Rented Book

Members of an Arizona book history club discovered centuries-old handwritten notes by “Paradise Lost” poet John Milton scribbled in a 16th century book. (Photo : Phoenix Public Library)

Members of an Arizona book history club discovered centuries-old handwritten notes by "Paradise Lost" poet John Milton scribbled in a 16th century book.

In March, scholars, including faculty from Arizona State University, were meeting inside a Phoenix public library's Rare Book Room when they made the shocking finding in a 437-year-old book titled "Holinshed's Chronicles," the library announced.

"Believed to be very popular in its time, 'Holinshed's Chronicles' was used as a source for much of Shakespeare's works. It's likely that, at one time, this was John Milton's personal copy of the book and this is only the third book with Milton's notes known to history," the library said.

"To me personally, it was validation for wanting to spend my time at Burton Barr (Library) with this collection. It's a collection that the librarians have been caring for and caring about and talking about," ASU assistant professor Brandi Adams said, according to KJZZ-FM.

The public can access the book at the library.