John Milton
- Born:
- December 9, 1608, Bread Street, London, England
- Died:
- November 8, 1674, Bunhill, London, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Polemicist, Man of Letters
Early Life and Education
- Educated privately and at St Paul's School, London.
- Studied at Christ's College, Cambridge (1625-1632), earning a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree.
- Intended to enter the clergy but ultimately pursued literary studies.
- Extensive private reading and self-directed education after university.
Career and Major Achievements
- Published early poems including "On Shakespeare" and "Lycidas" (1638).
- Served as Latin Secretary for the Commonwealth of England (1649-1660).
- Engaged in numerous political and religious controversies, writing prose pamphlets defending republicanism and religious freedom.
- Completed his epic poem Paradise Lost, published in 1667.
- Subsequently published Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671).
Notable Works
- Paradise Lost (1667)
- Paradise Regained (1671)
- Samson Agonistes (1671)
- Areopagitica (1644)
- Lycidas (1638)
Legacy and Impact
John Milton's contributions to English literature, political thought, and religious discourse are profound. His epic poems, particularly Paradise Lost, are considered among the greatest works in the English language, and his political writings influenced subsequent debates about freedom of speech and republicanism. The profound impact of the narrative within John Milton's life story continues to shape literary and political thought.