Synopsis
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, authoritatively annotated and updated for this new volume, now includes selections from Milton’s Commonplace Book and the complete text of The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates in addition to Milton’s letters, pamphlets, political tracts, and essays. Milton 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.
“Meticulously edited, full of tactful annotations that set the stage for his work and his times, and bringing Milton, as a poet and a thinker, vividly alive before us.”—Robert Hass, former Poet Laureate of the United States
About John Milton
John Milton (1608-74) was one of England’s greatest poets and a master of polemical prose. He was a private tutor and served as Secretary for Foreign Tongues under Oliver Cromwell.
About William Kerrigan
William Kerrigan, former president of the Milton Society of America and recipient of its award for lifetime achievement, is professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts. He is the co-editor of the Modern Library edition of Milton's
Paradise Lost.
About John Rumrich
John Rumrich is the author of
Matter of Glory and
Milton Unbound. He is Thaman Professor of English at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the co-editor of the Modern Library edition of Milton's
Paradise Lost.
About Stephen M. Fallon
Stephen M. Fallon, author of
Milton’s Peculiar Grace and
Milton among the Philosophers, is Cavanaugh Professor of the Humanities and Professor of Liberal Studies and English at the University of Notre Dame. He is the co-editor of the Modern Library edition of Milton's
Paradise Lost.
Praise
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