John Milton

John Milton (1608-1674) was an English author and poet who wrote the literary classic Paradise Lost. He was born in London and attended St. Paul's School and Cambridge University. Following his education, John Milton aspired to join the Church of England as a Clergyman, however his interest in poetry and distaste with the Anglican Church caused him to change his aspirations. While living in his father's home in Horton, Buckingham shire (1632-1638), he studied the classics of Greek and Latin literature as well as the history of politics and the Church which contributed to the success of his poems. In 1638 John Milton traveled in Italy and France and returned to England in 1639 where he began to write a number of books on religion, politics, and social issues. In his books on politics John Milton showed his support for Parliament in the battle between Parliament and Royal supporters which resulted in his being appointed to the position of foreign secretary in 1649. At some point around 1652, John Milton lost total use of his vision, and was only able to write further books with the aid of his secretary. Following the death of his first wife, Mary Powell in 1652, he married again only to have his second wife die within 2 years. After the Royal Restoration in 1660, John Milton was removed from his duties as foreign secretary, and subjected to punishment for supporting the Parliamentarians. This punishment consisted of time in prison and a fine. Following his time in prison he remained out of the public circles and married his third and final wife in 1663.

John Milton is considered to be one of the greatest authors and poets of English Literature, and his books are famous for their strong overtones of religion, human nature, and idealism. John Milton used his in depth knowledge of Greek and Latin literature to give his poems depth, and classic literary verse.

The early poems by John Milton, which were composed while he was attending Cambridge University include most notably:
Ode on the Morning of Christ's Nativity (1629)
On Shakespeare (1630)
Il Penseroso (1631)
L'Allergo (1631)
On Time (1632)
At A Solemn Music (1633)
Comus (1634)
Lycidas (1637)

Following 1640, John Milton began to mainly write pamphlets that attacked the bishops of the Church, and strongly supported English Reformation. Of his notable pamphlets on English Reformation are:
Of Reformation Touching Church Discipline in England (1641)
The Reason Church Government Urged against Prelaty (1642)
Containing a deep autobiographical account of John Milton's life and aspirations.
The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce (1643)
In this pamphlet John Milton argues that divorce should be granted based on incompatibility.
Areopagitica (1644)
A strong argument for freedom of speech and press.
The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates (1649)
Dealing with the execution of King Charles I, and the constitutional rights of the people under the rule of a tyrant.
A Treatise of Civil Power in Ecclesiastical Causes (1659)
A pamphlet arguing against the use of clergy in favour of man's own interpretation of the Bible.

John Milton began to write part of Paradise Lost which is considered his masterpiece and a classic of English Literature during his time of writing pamphlets and government service. Among the classic books by John Milton which were written during the later part of his life are:
A sonnet on his blindness (1655)
A sonnet on his deceased wife (1658)
Paradise Lost (completed 1667)
Paradise Regained (1671)
A companion epic poem to Paradise Lost.
Samson Agonistes (1671)

John Milton's Paradise Lost is considered to be not only a classic of English Literature but a classic of World Literature. In Paradise Lost John Milton tells the dramatic tale of the fall of Adam and its consequence on the fate of man. Perhaps one of the most imaginative poems in World Literature, Paradise Lost has sparked intellectual debate and imagination for centuries. In Paradise Regained, John Milton tells the tale of man's salvation through Jesus Christ in a shorter but none the less rich epic poem. In Samson Agonistes John Milton draws from the tale of Samson in the Old Testament Bible to give Puritans courage in the face of sacrifice.

John Milton is today viewed as a master of poetry whose books are among the greatest in history. His accomplishments are more remarkable in light of his blindness during the 17Th century. Paradise Lost has been studied and read by untold millions, and will continue to be held in the highest regards in literary history.



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