Paradise Lost

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DigiCat, Sep 15, 2022 - Poetry - 209 pages
In 'Paradise Lost,' John Milton masterfully canvasses the epic themes of rebellion, human fallibility, and the quest for redemption through the allegorical lens of the Biblical fall. Rich in classical allusion and baroque language, Milton's text weaves a complex tapestry of divinity and free will, set against the backdrop of cosmic warfare. Its blank verse is renowned for its grandiloquence and provides a profound philosophical exploration of 17th-century religious thought, articulating the struggle between predestination and autonomy within the human experience. As a revival of epic poetry, the work operates within the canon of Western literature, revivifying the genre in a manner that continues to challenge and captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. John Milton, a scholarly figure of the English Renaissance, infuses 'Paradise Lost' with his own religious and political convictions, shaped by his personal involvement in the Puritan movement and the tumultuous political landscape of Civil War England. His erudite perspectives, shaped by extensive Classical education and a staunchly independent moral compass, bring a unique gravity to this seminal work, a sweeping indictment of tyranny and a poignant treatise on the human spirit's resilience. Recommended for those with an interest in theological philosophy, epic poetry, and literary history, 'Paradise Lost' offers more than a mere narrative—it invites an existential introspection. It is a cornerstone of English literature that promises to enrich its readers with its layered complexity, philosophical depth, and linguistic beauty. The reissue of this masterpiece by DigiCat Publishing ensures that Milton's aspirational work remains accessible, encouraging a new generation to wrestle with its enduring questions and appreciate its majestic prose.

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Contents

Book II
Book III
Book V
Book VI
Book VII
Book VIII
Book IX
Book XII

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About the author (2022)

John Milton (1608–1674) was an English poet, polemicist, man of letters, and civil servant for the Commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell. He is best known for his epic poem 'Paradise Lost' (1667), considered one of the greatest works of English literature and a hallmark of the blank verse epic form. Milton's writing is characterized by its grand style, complex syntax, and rich allusions to classical mythology, contemporary religious and political issues, and his own erudite scholarship. Born in London to a prosperous family, Milton was educated at St Paul's School and Christ's College, Cambridge. A proponent of republicanism and a fierce critic of the monarchy, he also authored a number of pamphlets on religious and political subjects, including advocating for the abolition of the Church of England and the justification of the regicide of King Charles I. His later works, written after his blindness around 1652, dealt with themes of sin, redemption, and human understanding, and included not only 'Paradise Lost' but also its sequel 'Paradise Regained' and the tragedy 'Samson Agonistes.' Milton's influence extends beyond literature; his defense of freedom of the press and individual conscience has echoed into modern liberal thought. His literary contributions are immortalized in his profound exploration of the human condition, the complexity of sin and redemption, and the eternal struggle for truth and justice.

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