The Cambridge Introduction to Milton

This lively introduction to Milton's life, times and writings includes a detailed explanation of his poetry and prose and discusses in depth the author's historical circumstances and critical reception. Separate sections focus on key passages from his works to illustrate how readers can interpret - and get excited about - Milton's writings.

John Milton is one of the most important and influential writers in English literary history. The goal of this book is to make Milton''s works more accessible and enjoyable by providing a comprehensive overview of the author''s life, times and writings. It describes essential details from Milton''s biography, explains some of the cultural and historical contexts in which he wrote, offers fresh analyses of his major pamphlets and poems - including Lycidas, Areopagitica and Paradise Lost - and describes in depth traditional and recent responses to his reputation and writings. Separate sections focus on important concepts or key passages from his major works to illustrate how readers can interpret - and get excited about - Milton''s writings. This detailed and engaging introduction to Milton will help readers not only better understand the author''s life and works but also better appreciate why Milton matters.