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  • Published: 15 March 2013
  • ISBN: 9780812983722
  • Imprint: Random House US Group
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 656
  • RRP: $35.00

The Essential Prose Of John Milton



Edited by William Kerrigan, John Rumrich, and Stephen M. Fallon
 
The legendary author of Paradise Lost and other poems was also a superb and provocative prose writer. Culled from Modern Library’s definitive The Complete Poetry and Essential Prose of John Milton, this indispensable collection, newly edited and authoritatively annotated, features Milton’s letters, pamphlets, political tracts, and essays, in which he tackles diverse subjects and takes controversial positions, including notorious defenses of divorce and protests against censorship. With expert analysis, a chronology of the author’s life, clean layouts, and a comprehensive index, The Essential Prose of John Milton is an invaluable keepsake—a book bound to be a revelation for all readers of this monumental author.
 
Praise for The Complete Poetry and Essential Prose of John Milton
 
“The editors succeed gloriously, meeting the needs of the whole spectrum, from general readers to advanced students. A modernized text, one sensitive to Milton’s poetic rhythm, illuminates both the author’s meaning and artistry. This is a beautiful edition.”—Marina Favila, James Madison University
 
“A remarkable combination of scholarly rigor and sensitivity to literary values, expressed in prose of exemplary clarity and extraordinary grace.”—Edward W. Tayler, Columbia University

  • Published: 15 March 2013
  • ISBN: 9780812983722
  • Imprint: Random House US Group
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 656
  • RRP: $35.00

About the author

John Milton

John Milton was born on 9 December 1608. He studied at St Paul's School and then at Christ's College, Cambridge. He wrote poetry in Latin and Italian as well as English and travelled in Italy between 1638 and 1639. He married Mary Powell in 1642 but their relationship quickly broke down and they lived apart until 1645. They had four children, three daughters and a son who died in infancy. During the Interregnum after the execution of Charles I, Milton worked for the civil service and wrote pamphlets in support of the new republic. He also began work on his masterpiece, Paradise Lost, as early as 1642. His first wife died in 1652 and he married again in 1656, although his second wife died not long afterwards in 1658. When the monarchy was restored in 1660 Milton was arrested but was released with a fine. In 1663 he married his third wife, Elizabeth Minshull and he is also thought to have finished Paradise Lost in this same year. He published the companion poem, Paradise Regained, in 1671.John Milton died on 8 November 1674.

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