Milton's Paradise Lost [Hardcover]

John Milton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 2008

Milton follows many classical examples by personifying characters such as Death, Chaos, Mammon, and Sin. These characters interact with the more traditional Christian characters of Adam, Eve, Satan, various angels, and God. He takes as his basis the basic biblical text of the creation and fall of humanity (thus, 'Paradise Lost'), which has taken such hold in the English-speaking world that many images have attained in the popular mind an almost biblical truth to them (in much the same way that popular images of Hell owe much to Dante's Inferno). The text of Genesis was very much in vogue in the mid-1600s (much as it is today) and Paradise Lost attained an almost instant acclaim.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Book Sales, Inc. (August 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841932515
• ISBN-13: 978-1841932514
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #516,294 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking, June 5, 2007

By 

J. A Magill (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Milton's Paradise Lost (Hardcover)

With its fine binding, large type, and beautiful paper, this large addition of Milton's Paradise Lost will make a handsome addition to any shelf. Some will say that it is not well suited for the first time reader, lacking the line notes of other annotated additions. I would beg to differ, as such commentary, while deepening ones understanding, can also detract from the majesty of Milton's words. Yes, it is true that the laymen will miss many or even most of the references woven into this, perhaps after Shakespeare's work the greatest piece of literature ever produced in English. However, once captivated by the poetry, readers can always go back and peruse thicker, commentary laced edition. First and foremost, one must dive into the language of Milton, before attempting to wring every drop of meaning from that pool's heady wine.

A note, of course, must also be given to the extraordinary illustrations of Gustave Dore included in this volume. Dore's vision, especially the inexorable dissent of Satan from angelic beauty to demonic ugliness can only add to the readers' joy. At less than $20, one cannot go wrong in acquiring this very fine edition.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Edition, January 9, 2007

By 

B. Meeker "Orilla Del Mar" (New Lenox, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Milton's Paradise Lost (Hardcover)

This edition of the book is not for the first-time reader. It's big, it's elegant, and its designed for those people that have read and studied Paradise Lost and want an edition they can be proud of (without editor remarks and helpful tidbits). It really is a beautiful copy of this book, the pictures are engravings, incredibly detailed too. A Must Buy

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Edition, February 8, 2007

By 

ABLong (St Petersburg, FL United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Milton's Paradise Lost (Hardcover)

It's not too often that one gets to hold a really nice edition of anything. This edition of "Paradise Lost" has heft for sure, is well constucted (don't you hate it when pages fall out of a book cheaply made?)and the design and typography are first class. It also has really quality illustrations from Dore And at this price, how can you lose? I have books costing 10 times as much that are no better made than this one. A really nice piece of work. As pointed out above, there are no notes but I would expect that anyone who would be attracted to this edition already has Fowler's annotated edition already on the shelf. If you don't, ya otta.