English poet John Milton's 17th century epic poem, "Paradise Lost," is the work for which he is best known and which would solidify his reputation as one of the greatest poets of all time. A classic retelling of Biblical legend, the poem relates the stories of the war in heaven, the fall of man, and the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. First depicted in Revelation, Milton portrays the angel Lucifer's denial of God's authority over him and the failed rebellion that he leads as a consequence of this belief. Lucifer is cast out of Heaven and into Hell by God for his betrayal. The temptation of Adam and Eve by Satan and their subsequent fall from innocence forms the other major narrative arc in "Paradise Lost." As described in the work by Milton his purpose in writing this epic masterpiece was to "justify the ways of God to men." Milton's work is one of sublime and extraordinary beauty which has inspired readers and been analyzed by critics ever since its original publication in 1667. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.
Biografie
John Milton (1608-1674) war nach seinem Studium in Cambridge zunächst in Italien und danach für kurze Zeit als Privatlehrer in London tätig. Er kämpfte auf Seiten von Oliver Cromwell gegen die Royalisten und unterstützte die Puritaner mit politischen Schriften. Nach Wiederherstellung des Königtums wurden seine Bücher öffentlich verbrannt und er selbst musste für kurze Zeit ins Gefängnis. Seine bedeutendsten Werke erschienen erst nach 1660. Völlig erblindet, verarmt und vereinsamt, diktierte er das große englische religiöse Epos »Das verlorene Paradies«, das 1668 zum ersten Mal erschien.
