Paradise Lost and Other Poems (Mentor) [Paperback]

John Milton (Author), Edward Le Comte (Editor, Introduction)

Book Description

Series: Mentor | Publication Date: November 1, 1961

With the three works included in this volume--Paradise Lost, Samson Agonistes, and Lycidas--Milton placed himself next to Shakespeare, Dante, and Homer as one of the greatest literary genius in history.

--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Milton was born in London on December 9, 1608, and studied at the University of Cambridge. He originally planned to become a clergyman, but abandoned those ambitions to become a poet. Political in his writings, he served a government post during the time of the Commonwealth. In 1651, he went completely blind but he continued to write, finishing Paradise Lost in 1667, and Paradise Regained in 1671. He died in 1674.

--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Signet (November 1, 1961)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451628268
• ISBN-13: 978-0451628268
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,130,174 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

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Three beautiful tales, with some helpful introductions/annotations, January 31, 2006

By 

DanD - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Paradise Lost and Other Poems (Signet Classics) (Paperback)

For a long time, I have wanted to read Milton's "Paradise Lost" (yes, I, a nineteen-year-old male, wanting to read Milton outside of class). I'm glad I chose this Signet Classic version. You know what "Paradise Lost" is about, or you wouldn't be here, so I won't summarize what has become an essential piece of epic poetry. "Samson Agonistes" is a beautiful "minor epic" styled after the ancient Greek tragedies, while "Lycidas" is...well, it's confusing. But exquisitely worded, and truly enjoyable nonetheless.

Le Comte's annotations are helpful, though they sometimes get in the way of the reading (in many spots, half the page is devoted to footnotes). Cifelli's introductions are easy to read (I've come across some introductions to pieces of literature that are harder to read than the literature itself, so these intros were a relief), and even helpful in understanding the texts. The fact of the matter is this: unless you are an academic schooled in interpreting Biblical poetry, you're gonna have a hard time with "Paradise Lost" (Cifelli echoes these remarks, so I'm not alone here). However, trust me, it is worth it. If you are a student (as am I), or simply an interested reader (as I also am), you will love "Paradise Lost"--not for its simplicity, but for its complexity, for its beauty. This Signet Classic edition is helpful and enjoyable; read it, and enjoy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST BUY, April 27, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Paradise Lost and Other Poems (Paperback)

Thanks to Edward Le Comte's great biographical introduction, and annotations, this is the best version of this classic work. Unfortunately it is hard to find, because it's 42 years old now. This old Mentor edition was a high quality printing though, so if you find one it stands a good chance of being a best buy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best paperback Milton, September 30, 2001

By 

Chosroes III (NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paradise Lost and Other Poems (Mentor) (Paperback)

A superb edition of the greatest poem in the language. Edward Le Comte performs an invaluable job of editing, providing copious annotations which give an encyclopedic overview of Milton's Biblical, Classical, theological, and personal allusions throughout "Paradise Lost" as well as "Samson Agonistes" and "Lycidas", which are the other poems of the title. The back-cover write-up gets it right-- here is the indispensable peer of Vergil, Dante, Homer. These are poetic monuments, cathedrals of sound and sense that are bound to exhilarate anyone who gives them even passing attention: Milton's reverence, rage, and sensuality burn through each line. Never mind even Harold Bloom's protestations to the contrary-- the poetry of the English tradition revolves around a double star, and this is Shakespeare's giant twin in greatness.