Samson Agonistes [Paperback]

John Milton (Author), F. T. Prince (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 019831910X | ISBN-13: 978-0198319108 | Publication Date: February 15, 1970

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The work allows for teaching feminist teaching as well as Puritan background to English literature. The notes are excellent, very helpful to me as well as to the students."--Pau Sheneman, Miami University

About the Author

John Milton (1608-1674) was an English poet, best-known for his epic poem Paradise Lost.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 15, 1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019831910X
• ISBN-13: 978-0198319108
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,287,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Besides being well written, S.A. is thought-provoking, August 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Samson Agonistes (Paperback)

Samson Agonistes is, in my opinion, one of John Milton's most outstanding works. The way in which the hero, Samson, wrestles with his thoughts gives insight into the mind of Milton, especially regarding his blindness. Milton's character Delilah is a wonderful picture of what NOT to act like. This book is thought-provoking, to say the least, as well as a picture of God's greatness and design. Wonderful writing as well!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unjustly Neglected, July 21, 2002

By 

ben dueholm (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samson Agonistes (Paperback)

It's unfortunate that this book can be so hard to find in bookstores, because in some ways it's more worthwhile than 'Paradise Lost.'

The play is bitter and misogynistic, and lacking in dramatic qualities. But the poetry is first-rate. Samson's first speech ("Ask for this great Deliverer now, and find him / Eyeless in Caza at the Mill with slaves"; "O dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon...") has been nicked by a number of great writers. It's denser and more vigorous than much of 'Paradise Lost.' And it's less than 1800 lines.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars no title, November 16, 2005

By 

C. L Wilson (Elmhurst, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Samson Agonistes (Paperback)

This is a long poem, some 45 pages, and the first thing I ever read by Milton. And it was actually pretty good! No wonder Milton is considered great. I felt as if I were reading one of the great Greek tragedies upon which this was surely modeled. It recreates in blank verse the story of Samson and Delilah and how Samson brought down the pillars of the public arena and destroyed all the Philistines. I had not thought of that Biblical story in a long time. Milton makes it seem very real, makes the people seem alive. Even Delilah comes across as a sympathic character who had rational reasons for betraying Samson. What the real story was about his strength being in his hair I've love to know. I'm sure these were real people and there is some basis in fact. I enjoyed it.