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. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Milton was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant. His 1667 epic poem Paradise Lost, written in blank verse and including twelve books, was written in a time of immense religious flux and political upheaval. It addressed the fall of man, including the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan and God's expulsion of them from the Garden of Eden. Paradise Lost elevated Milton's reputation as one of history's greatest poets. He also served as a civil servant for the Commonwealth of England under its Council of State and later under Oliver Cromwell.