Synopses & Reviews
John Milton (16081674) is often regarded as one of Englands greatest poets, second only to Shakespeare. Best known for his magnum opus Paradise Lost, Milton was also one of historys most politically active writers. A radical Protestant and staunch republican, he served as Latin secretary to Oliver Cromwell during the Commonwealth and throughout his life wrote eloquent treatises on topics including divorce, freedom of the press, kingship, and education. This extensive look at Miltons life and ethos addresses the psychological complexities and political tenets of the man who dared to put words in Gods mouth, and whose life was spared following the restoration of the monarchy due only to his reputation as a poet.
Review
"Essential for anyone following classic English literature." Library Journal
Review
"Forsyth's scholarship recreates and redefines the milieu out of which Milton's works emerged . . . As a result of his work, we are in Forsyth's debt." Milton Quarterly on The Satanic Epic
Review
"An excellent book." John Leonard, editor, John Milton: The Complete Poems
Synopsis
John Milton (1608-1674) is often regarded as one of England's greatest poets, second only to Shakespeare. Best known for his magnum opus
Paradise Lost, Milton was also one of history's most politically active writers. A radical Protestant and staunch republican, he served as Latin secretary to Oliver Cromwell during the Commonwealth and throughout his life wrote eloquent treatises on topics including divorce, freedom of the press, kingship, and education. This extensive look at Milton's life and ethos addresses the psychological complexities and political tenets of the man who dared to put words in God's mouth, and whose life was spared following the restoration of the monarchy due only to his reputation as a poet.
Synopsis
John Milton has usually been regarded as 'the other great poet' in English literature, after Shakespeare. He is the only one of the world's great poets also to have been actively engaged in politics. A radical Protestant and staunch republican, he served as Latin secretary to Oliver Cromwell during the Commonwealth. After the restoration of Charles II, his life was probably saved by his fame as a poet. Apart from the great poems like Paradise Lost and Samson Agonistes, Milton also wrote eloquent treatises on topics including divorce, freedom of the press, kingship and education. This lively new biography by a renowned Milton scholar explores the psychological complexities of a man who must be counted one of the most significant and fascinating writers and thinkers of all time.
About the Author
Neil Forsyth is the author of The Satanic Epic, winner of the 2004 James Holly Hanford prize from the Milton Society of America, and the coeditor of Milton, Rights and Liberties.