Paradise Lost

5b, 1875 by Milton. replica of 1667.

Description

John Milton (1608–1674) was an English poet, intellectual, and civil servant best known for his epic poetry and political writings during a time of great religious and political upheaval in England. Educated at Cambridge, he was fluent in Latin, Greek, and several modern languages. Milton was deeply involved in the English Civil War and supported the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, serving as Latin Secretary for Foreign Tongues. Despite going blind later in life, he continued to write prolifically, dictating his later works. His writings, both poetic and political, reflect his Puritan faith, humanist education, and strong convictions about liberty, free will, and individual conscience.

Paradise Lost, published in 1667, is Milton’s magnum opus and one of the greatest epic poems in the English language. Written in unrhymed iambic pentameter (blank verse), the poem recounts the biblical story of the Fall of Man—Satan’s rebellion, the temptation of Adam and Eve, and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Milton's Satan is a complex, charismatic figure, often interpreted as both villain and tragic antihero. The poem explores profound themes such as free will, obedience, pride, justice, and redemption, and reflects Milton's theological and political beliefs, including his views on divine authority and human agency.

Notes

Beautiful brown leather designed after the 1667 first edition, five raised bands on spine, colorful emblem on front cover, three edge gold edges, very fine edition.