Author
John Milton
1608-1674
John Milton (1608-1674) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by John Milton
Paradise Lost
"Paradise Lost" by John Milton is an epic poem published in 1667. It retells the biblical story of humanity's fall: Satan's rebellion against God, his banishment to Hell, and his vengeful plot to corrupt God's newest creation—mankind. Through the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Milton explores themes of free will, obedience, and moral consequence. The poem features one of literature's most complex villains and ends with humanity's expulsion from Paradise, yet offers hope for redemption.
El paraíso perdido
"El paraíso perdido" by John Milton is an epic poem published in 1667. It retells the biblical story of humanity's fall: Satan's rebellion against God, his vengeful corruption of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and their expulsion from Paradise. Milton explores profound themes of free will, obedience, and redemption, seeking to "justify the ways of God to men." The poem features one of literature's most complex villains in Satan, whose tragic grandeur has sparked centuries of debate, and ends with hope for salvation.
The Poetical Works of John Milton
"The Poetical Works of John Milton" by John Milton is a comprehensive collection of poems written during the 17th century. This volume includes various forms of poetry, such as sonnets, odes, and epics, exemplifying Milton's mastery of the English language and his thematic exploration of divinity, human experience, and morality. The collection features prominent works like "Paradise Lost" and "Lycidas," which delve into profound philosophical and theological issues. At the start of this collection, the reader is introduced to a transcriber’s note and a preface that contextualizes Milton's work within his time and details the structure of the anthology. The opening lines of Milton's poem "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity" set the stage for the themes that will be explored throughout the collection, such as the birth of Christ and the interaction between the divine and the human realm. Milton invokes muses and heavenly figures, showcasing his lyrical style and deep reverence for sacred themes while implicitly establishing the tone for the subsequent pieces that range from joyous celebration to sorrowful reflection.
Areopagitica A Speech for the Liberty of Unlicensed Printing to the Parliament of England
"Areopagitica" by John Milton is a prose polemic published in 1644 opposing government censorship of printed works. Written during the English Civil War, this impassioned defense challenges Parliament's licensing order requiring pre-publication approval. Milton argues that free access to all ideas—even controversial ones—allows individuals to exercise reason and judgment. Drawing on biblical and classical references, he contends that truth emerges through open discussion rather than state control. This work became one of history's most influential arguments for freedom of speech and expression.
Milton: Minor Poems
"Milton: Minor Poems" by John Milton is a collection published in 1645. This volume gathers Milton's early poetry in English and Latin, showcasing his work across various genres before his famous epic "Paradise Lost." The collection includes celebrated pieces like "Lycidas" and "Comus," revealing a young poet exploring different forms and themes. With its mix of languages and styles, the volume presents Milton as a "future poet" preparing for greater works, though scholars debate whether it hints at his later republican politics or simply displays youthful experimentation.
Paradise Regained
"Paradise Regained" by John Milton is an epic poem first published in 1671. This brief epic depicts Christ's forty days in the wilderness, where Satan attempts to break his resolve through increasingly sophisticated temptations. Unlike Milton's ornate "Paradise Lost," this work employs a plainer style to chronicle Christ's spiritual battle. Through offers of food, wealth, power, and ancient wisdom, Satan tests the fasting Jesus, who responds with scripture and steadfast refusal. The poem explores themes of reversal and hunger—both literal and spiritual—as Christ resists temptation to regain what humanity lost in Eden.
Milton's Comus
"Milton's Comus" by John Milton is a lyrical masque written in the early 17th century. This poem explores themes of virtue, temptation, and the conflict between chastity and indulgence, encapsulated in the narrative of the character Comus, who represents sensuality and excess. The main storyline revolves around a young lady who faces temptation but ultimately upholds her virtue, aided by her brothers and an attendant spirit. The beginning of "Comus" introduces us to an ethereal attendant spirit, tasked with protecting the children of a noble Earl as they navigate a dark and enchanted forest. The spirit reflects on the world above and below, contrasting the divine with the tempting, corrupted realm of Comus, who is portrayed as a sorcerer adept in leading innocents astray. As the lady becomes separated from her brothers, she encounters Comus, who attempts to seduce her with promises of pleasure, setting the stage for the ensuing battle between virtue and vice. This opening segment highlights the overarching themes of the masque and lays the groundwork for the moral conflict that unfolds throughout the work.
An Introduction to the Prose and Poetical Works of John Milton Comprising All the Autobiographic Passages in His Works, the More Explicit Presentations of His Ideas of True Liberty.
"An Introduction to the Prose and Poetical Works of John Milton" by Hiram Corson is a critical collection that explores the life and writings of the famous 17th-century English poet and political writer. The book is set in the late 19th century and aims to present Milton's autobiographical passages alongside thematic analyses of his works, focusing on his views of true liberty as expressed through both prose and poetry. It provides insights into Milton's beliefs and motivations, drawing connections between his experiences and his literary contributions. The opening of this work outlines its purpose and structure, describing how it will gather autobiographical elements from Milton's writings alongside discussions of key themes such as liberty, truth, and individual integrity. Corson emphasizes the importance of Milton’s prose, which often advocates for civil and religious freedoms, and connects it to his renowned poetic works like "Paradise Lost." The text reflects on Milton's life, revealing his dedication to literature and social ideals, while also hinting at the political and personal struggles that influenced his creative journey. By presenting this context, Corson sets the stage for a comprehensive understanding of Milton's contributions to English literature and thought.
Poemata : Latin, Greek and Italian Poems by John Milton
"Poemata: Latin, Greek and Italian Poems by John Milton" by John Milton is a collection of poems written in various classical languages, likely composed during the late 17th century. This anthology includes elegies and other poetic forms that reflect Milton's exploration of themes related to friendship, loss, nature, and the human condition, showcasing his mastery of different poetic structures and languages. The opening of the collection serves as a preface, introducing the reader to a series of complimentary pieces and elegies. It includes tributes to Milton from eminent figures of his time, highlighting his significance in the literary world. The initial elegy addressed to Charles Diodati expresses deep camaraderie and a longing for the joys of scholarly life against a backdrop of personal and societal reflections. As the opening progresses, it sets the tone for a rich literary journey through Milton's thoughts and feelings, steering the reader into the depths of his poetic expressions amidst references to notable historical and mythological contexts.
Le Paradis Perdu
"Le Paradis Perdu" by John Milton is an epic poem published in 1667. This masterwork recounts the biblical fall of humanity through Satan's temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Beginning after Satan's failed rebellion against God, the poem follows his journey to corrupt mankind while exploring profound themes of free will, disobedience, and redemption. Milton's complex portrayal of Satan and the innocent-yet-fallible first humans has sparked centuries of debate, making this linguistically rich epic a cornerstone of literary and theological discourse.
L'Allegro, Il Penseroso, Comus, and Lycidas
"L'Allegro, Il Penseroso, Comus, and Lycidas" by John Milton is a collection of poetic works composed during the early 17th century. This book features four distinct pieces: "L'Allegro" and "Il Penseroso," which present contrasting moods of joy and melancholy; "Comus," a masque that explores themes of temptation and virtue; and "Lycidas," a pastoral elegy mourning the loss of a friend. The overarching topic addresses human experiences, emotions, and the divine interplay of fate, virtue, and mortality. In "L'Allegro," Milton celebrates the joys and pleasures of life, invoking a spirit of merriment and youthful vitality, while "Il Penseroso" explores the depths of contemplation, encouraging a reverence for wisdom and solemn reflection amid life's varied experiences. "Comus" unfolds in a dramatic narrative where a virtuous lady, lost in a dark wood, confronts the seductive enchantments of Comus, a symbol of vice, ultimately highlighting the power of chastity and virtue. Finally, "Lycidas" serves as a poignant tribute to Milton's deceased friend, contemplating the responsibilities and failings of the clergy, while expressing a hope for spiritual immortality. Together, these works offer a profound exploration of the dualities of life and human spirit, woven with rich imagery and rhetorical elegance characteristic of Milton's style.