Paradise Lost

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.