Paradise Lost (Penguin Classics)
John Milton's celebrated epic poem exploring the cosmological, moral and spiritual origins of man's existence A Penguin Classic In Paradise Lost Milton produced poem of epic scale, conjuring up a vast, awe-inspiring cosmos and ranging across huge tracts of space and time, populated by a memorable gallery of grotesques. And yet, in putting a charismatic Satan and naked, innocent Adam and Eve at the centre of this story, he also created an intensely human tragedy on the Fall of Man. Written when Milton was in his fifties - blind, bitterly disappointed by the Restoration and in danger of execution - Paradise Lost's apparent ambivalence towards authority has led to intense debate about whether it manages to 'justify the ways of God to men', or exposes the cruelty of Christianity. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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Community Reviews
It would be naive of me to think that my review of a classic like Paradise Lost would in anyway contribute to the reputation of such an astounding piece of literature. Nonetheless, I can only echo the praises of this book and Milton’s writing.
The frequent allusions to Paradise Lost by some of the West’s greatest authors was the initial impotus for my desire to read it. It was listening to poet laureate Billy Collins discuss the importance of reading Milton that actually caused me to start.
The meter, the word mastery, the command of k knowledge of mythology is more than enough to make this a new favorite of mine. However, I gleaned more theologically out of this masterpiece than I had even come close to expecting beforehand.
There are obvious departures of thought for me and Milton, especially concerning the role of women. Yet, I would be amiss if I did not tell everyone wanting to read this book that it has enriched my personal devotion to my religion, and left me yearning for a Christianity as dedicated to making God’s invisible beauty eminent in ecclesial life. Contemporary believers have our few artists, but when looked at as a gestalt, are woefully depraved of the dedication and sincerity evident in every page of Paradise Lost. The doctrine is fresh and still relevant to today. The artisty is exquisite. While I recommend this book to all, there is no doubt that the full richness of it is lost to those who are not willing to accept Milton’s challenge and have God’s will justified, even in the face of suffering and destruction. What you will find is a high resolution document illuminating the tragedy and triumph of humanity’s free will.
This is not a “book” meant to be read for mere intellectual addition. It is meticulously designed by a man of faith for a people with faith... or at least the suspension of disbelief.
I carry with me a new understanding of the Hell, the Eden, or the Heaven that every individual chooses for themselves. Do not read this one frivolously!
The frequent allusions to Paradise Lost by some of the West’s greatest authors was the initial impotus for my desire to read it. It was listening to poet laureate Billy Collins discuss the importance of reading Milton that actually caused me to start.
The meter, the word mastery, the command of k knowledge of mythology is more than enough to make this a new favorite of mine. However, I gleaned more theologically out of this masterpiece than I had even come close to expecting beforehand.
There are obvious departures of thought for me and Milton, especially concerning the role of women. Yet, I would be amiss if I did not tell everyone wanting to read this book that it has enriched my personal devotion to my religion, and left me yearning for a Christianity as dedicated to making God’s invisible beauty eminent in ecclesial life. Contemporary believers have our few artists, but when looked at as a gestalt, are woefully depraved of the dedication and sincerity evident in every page of Paradise Lost. The doctrine is fresh and still relevant to today. The artisty is exquisite. While I recommend this book to all, there is no doubt that the full richness of it is lost to those who are not willing to accept Milton’s challenge and have God’s will justified, even in the face of suffering and destruction. What you will find is a high resolution document illuminating the tragedy and triumph of humanity’s free will.
This is not a “book” meant to be read for mere intellectual addition. It is meticulously designed by a man of faith for a people with faith... or at least the suspension of disbelief.
I carry with me a new understanding of the Hell, the Eden, or the Heaven that every individual chooses for themselves. Do not read this one frivolously!
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