John Milton, blind and impoverished, sells the copyright of Paradise Lost for £10.

John Milton (9 December 1608 – 8 November 1674) stands as one of England’s most profound poets and influential intellectuals, whose life and work were deeply intertwined with the tumultuous 17th century. Born in London, Milton lived through a period of immense religious flux, the English Civil War, the execution of a king, the establishment of a republic, and ultimately, the Restoration of the monarchy. It was amidst this backdrop of political upheaval and societal transformation that he crafted some of the most enduring literary masterpieces in the English language.

During the Commonwealth of England, Milton dedicated his formidable intellect to public service, famously serving as Latin Secretary to the Council of State, and later under the formidable leadership of Oliver Cromwell. In this crucial role, he was responsible for drafting the nascent republic's foreign correspondence, effectively acting as its chief propagandist and international spokesperson. His eloquent command of Latin, then the lingua franca of diplomacy, was invaluable in articulating England's revolutionary ideals on the global stage.

A Champion of Ideas: Milton's Diverse Contributions

Beyond his political duties, Milton’s pen was a powerful instrument for advocating fundamental freedoms. His celebrated tract, Areopagitica (1644), remains one of history's most impassioned and influential defenses of freedom of speech and the press. Written in condemnation of pre-publication censorship, which he experienced firsthand during the English Civil War, this work argued vehemently for the marketplace of ideas, asserting that truth would ultimately prevail in open debate. Its principles resonate deeply with modern concepts of intellectual liberty and open discourse.

Milton’s desire for freedom extended even into his literary style. A true innovator, he significantly enriched the English language, introducing numerous new words often coined from Latin and Ancient Greek roots. Furthermore, he was the first modern English writer to extensively employ unrhymed verse, known as blank verse, outside of dramatic plays or translations. This bold stylistic choice, seen most prominently in his epic work, allowed for a majestic and natural flow, profoundly influencing subsequent generations of poets.

Milton’s international renown was secured even within his lifetime, a testament to his exceptional command of not only English but also Latin and Italian. His erudition and literary prowess were widely recognized across Europe.

"Paradise Lost": A Monumental Epic

Yet, it is undoubtedly for his magnum opus, the epic poem Paradise Lost, that John Milton is most widely celebrated. First published in 1667, this monumental work, written entirely in blank verse, chronicles the biblical story of the Fall of Man. It vividly portrays the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan and their subsequent expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The poem delves into profound theological and philosophical questions concerning free will, divine justice, and the nature of good and evil.

The initial version of Paradise Lost comprised ten books, totaling over ten thousand lines of verse. A second, revised edition followed in 1674, restructured into twelve books, echoing the classical epic tradition of Virgil's Aeneid. This revision, along with minor textual refinements, solidified its reputation as Milton's masterpiece and firmly established him as one of the greatest English poets of all time. Its grandeur, intricate narrative, and profound moral scope continue to captivate readers and scholars alike.

An Enduring Legacy and Evolving Critical Reception

Milton’s literary stature was celebrated posthumously, with William Hayley's 1796 biography proclaiming him the "greatest English author." He remains generally regarded as one of the pre-eminent writers in the English language. However, critical reception of his work has oscillated over the centuries, often influenced by his staunch republican political views, which were controversial in his own time and beyond.

Even the eminent literary figure Samuel Johnson, a staunch Tory, offered a nuanced appraisal. While he praised Paradise Lost as "a poem which ... with respect to design may claim the first place, and with respect to performance, the second, among the productions of the human mind," he did not shy away from describing Milton's politics as those of an "acrimonious and surly republican." Despite such ideological differences, Milton's genius transcended political divides, earning him the deep reverence of later literary giants such as William Blake, William Wordsworth, and Thomas Hardy, who recognized his unparalleled poetic power and visionary scope.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Milton and "Paradise Lost"

Who was John Milton?
John Milton (1608–1674) was a highly influential English poet, intellectual, and civil servant during the tumultuous 17th century. He served as Latin Secretary for the Commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell and is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost.
What is Paradise Lost about?
Paradise Lost is an epic poem that retells the biblical story of the Fall of Man. It centers on Satan's rebellion against God, his expulsion from Heaven, and his subsequent temptation of Adam and Eve, leading to their banishment from the Garden of Eden. The poem explores themes of free will, divine justice, sin, and redemption.
Why is Paradise Lost considered so important?
It is considered one of the greatest works of literature ever written due to its majestic blank verse, profound theological and philosophical depth, complex characters (especially Satan), and its enduring exploration of universal human themes. It cemented Milton's reputation as one of the greatest English poets.
What was Areopagitica?
Areopagitica (1644) is a powerful prose polemic written by Milton in condemnation of pre-publication censorship. It is celebrated as one of history's most articulate and influential defenses of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, advocating for the open exchange of ideas.
What was Milton's political stance?
Milton was a fervent republican, strongly advocating for a commonwealth government and opposing monarchy. His political writings and his service to the Commonwealth reflect his deep commitment to civil and religious liberties, often placing him at odds with the prevailing political sentiments of his time, particularly after the Restoration.