Milton

This biography of John Milton offers a nuanced portrait of the poet, revealing the complexities of his personal life alongside his literary achievements in Milton.

For centuries, John Milton, renowned for his epic poem Paradise Lost and various radical pamphlets advocating for free speech, divorce, and political rights, has been portrayed in biographies as either a woman-hating domestic tyrant or a saintly blind figure. However, Anna Beer’s work, Milton, reveals that his personal life was as intricate and rich as his literary contributions. Through a close and groundbreaking analysis, Beer delves into Milton's meticulous editing of his life narrative, the dynamics of his family, and the records of his government work.

The book also situates Milton within the broader context of seventeenth-century England, a time marked by significant social and cultural upheaval. Beer’s exploration highlights how these historical events influenced Milton’s thoughts and writings, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the man behind the poetry. She captures the essence of his life, illustrating how his personal experiences informed his radical views and literary genius.

As we celebrate the quatercentenary of Milton's birth, Milton stands out as a pivotal biography that incorporates the latest research on this complex figure. Beer’s insights into the nature of marriage and societal structures during Milton's time further enrich the narrative, allowing readers to appreciate the poet not just as a literary icon but as a multifaceted individual navigating the challenges of his era.