John Milton: A Short Introduction (Blackwell Introductions to Literature) [Paperback]

Roy C. Flannagan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 14, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0631226206 | ISBN-13: 978-0631226208 | Edition: 1

In this compelling first volume in the Blackwell Introductions to Literature series, Roy Flannagan, editor of The Milton Quarterly, provides a readable and uncluttered critical account of a complicated and sophisticated author, and his poetry and prose.

• Puts John Milton under the microscope, using the still-evolving critical perspectives of the last fifty years
• Looks at Milton’s life, and the cultural background to his work, as well as examining his writing
• Considers how and why Milton’s work has endured the centuries to educate, entertain and intrigue so many generations of readers
• Ideal for the reader falling in love with Milton’s poetry and prose, who longs to know more about what people think about the poetry, the man or the historical context

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A founder and longtime editor of the Milton Quarterly and editor of the Riverside Milton, with 32 years' experience teaching at Ohio University, Flannagan is eminently qualified to explain the greatness of English poet John Milton and he's marvelously successful in achieving his goal. Focusing on the oral qualities of Milton's art, Flannagan argues that he brought to his work an unequaled learning, humor, and skill that stretch and ultimately break aesthetic, religious, and political conventions, making him still relevant. Organized chronologically and centered on Milton's major works, this introduction is not a handbook to be consulted but a book to be read so that one can understand Milton's organic development. Fresh, fluent, and witty, Flannagan's treatment is thoroughly informed by the insights of current literary theory and is rendered without jargon. Of particular interest are his remarks on Adam and Eve in terms of ecocriticism. While he assumes some familiarity with Milton, Flannagan's discussion is accessible to the general reader yet offers insights to the specialist. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries. T.L. Cooksey, Armstrong Atlantic State Univ., Savannah, GA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Flannagan is eminently qualified to explain the greatness of English poet John Milton - and he's marvelously successful in achieving his goal[...]Fresh, fluent and witty, Flannagan's treatment is thoroughly informed by the insights of current literary insights and is rendered without jargon." Library Journal

“This is historically informed criticism delivered with a light and generally assured touch and, most successfully, Flannagan retains a clear focus on disclosing what is remarkable about Milton, what makes him worth the modern readers’ attention … Flannagan has produced a helpful, lively - and intelligently illustrated - little book, to which students may with confidence be directed.” Milton Quarterly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (May 14, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631226206
• ISBN-13: 978-0631226208
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,469,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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