# John Milton

## Biography

John Milton (1608-1674) was an esteemed English poet, polemicist, and civil servant, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. Born in London, he received a rigorous education at St. Paul's School and Christ's College, Cambridge, where he became proficient in numerous languages. Though initially intending to enter the clergy, Milton instead embarked on a path to become a poet, undertaking years of independent study. During the English Civil War, he championed the Puritan cause and served as Secretary for Foreign Languages under Oliver Cromwell, writing influential pamphlets on political and religious topics, including freedom of the press and the morality of divorce. He famously became completely blind by 1651 but continued his work with assistance. After the Restoration, Milton faced arrest but was later released. He spent his later years in seclusion, during which he completed his monumental blank-verse epic poem, Paradise Lost, in 1667, followed by its sequel Paradise Regained and the tragedy Samson Agonistes, both in 1671. These works solidified his reputation as a literary giant.

## Books

- [The Poetical Works of John Milton](https://samolit.com/books/96713)
- [Paradise Lost](https://samolit.com/books/96265)
- [Paradise Lost](https://samolit.com/books/95878)