The John Milton Library

Books & Literature

About

Enter a realm where verse ascends and thought contends with eternity. The John Milton Library gathers the great works of England’s sovereign poet and sets them forth in living voice - unabridged, unhurried, and aflame with the music of epic song. Here, the fallen archangel speaks, Eden blooms and breaks, and the long struggle between light and shadow unfolds in measured lines. Let the ear become the eye. In these readings, paradise is lost and sought again, liberty wrestles with power, and the human soul stands poised between ruin and redemption. Wander through celestial courts or the silent chambers of inward vision, dwell within Milton’s vast imagination and inhabit his poetry.

Episodes

  • Paradise Lost Book 1

    This episode of The John Milton Library, titled "Paradise Lost Book 1," details the narrative of celestial beings' revolt and expulsion into an abyss. Their chief rallies them to counsel, and the fallen spirits establish a throne in opposi…

  • Paradise Lost Front Matter

    This episode discusses the front matter of Paradise Lost, highlighting its unbound verse, pursuit of ancient liberty, and the poet's skillful handling of celestial subjects. The reader's admiration for the work's lofty subject and majestic…

  • Samson Agonistes Section 11

    This episode covers Samson Agonistes Section 11, detailing Samson's obedience and hope as he faces his captors, Manoa's plea for redemption, and the epic conclusion involving strength, sacrifice, and ultimate deliverance.

  • Samson Agonistes Section 10

    This episode covers Section 10 of Samson Agonistes, featuring Samson's reflections on betrayal, his defiant confrontation with Harapha, and his solemn refusal of the summons to the feast of Dagon, upholding his vow.

  • Samson Agonistes Section 9

    Section 9 of "Samson Agonistes" features a sorrowful discussion between Samson and Dalila, highlighting their estrangement due to broken trust and divided loyalties. They reflect on love, duty, and mistaken zeal, exchanging laments and rep…

  • Samson Agonistes Section 8

    In episode "Samson Agonistes Section 8," Dalila attempts to gain Samson's forgiveness by highlighting shared human frailty and love, but Samson rebuffs her plea, condemning her betrayal. Dalila defends her actions by citing the significant…

  • Samson Agonistes Section 7

    In Samson Agonistes Section 7, the Chorus contemplates the suffering of the chosen, and Samson spurns Dalila's penitent advances, remembering her past deceptions.

  • Samson Agonistes Section 6

    In Samson Agonistes Section 6, the fallen Champion Samson expresses deep anguish over his lost strength and blindness, confessing his despair and doubts of mercy to a friend. He longs for release from his suffering.

  • Samson Agonistes Section 5

    In Samson Agonistes Section 5, the fallen Samson confesses his mistakes and laments the dishonor to his God due to his weakened faith and poor advice. He expresses a somber hope for divine justice against idolatry, as he, his Father, and t…

  • Samson Agonistes Section 4

    In Samson Agonistes Section 4, the captive and blind Samson reflects on his downfall caused by his own failings. A visitor mourns the fragility of human strength and the sorrowful irony of Samson's fate.

  • Samson Agonistes Section 3

    In 'Samson Agonistes Section 3', Samson recounts his passionate choices and their consequences, lamenting Israel's leadership and countrymen's ingratitude. He and the Chorus ponder divine justice, mortal understanding, and the burdens of d…

  • Samson Agonistes Section 2

    This episode features the Chorus observing Samson's forlorn state after his captivity and blindness. Samson reflects on his shame and the betrayal he experienced, as the Chorus offers sympathy and questions the causes of his downfall.

  • Samson Agonistes Section 1

    In "Samson Agonistes Section 1," Samson, imprisoned and blind, contemplates his dire situation, contrasting his former might with his current captivity. He wrestles with themes of destiny, loss, and personal fault before the prison in Gaza.

  • Samson Agonistes The Preface. The Argument. The Persons.

    This episode of The John Milton Library discusses the nature and purpose of Tragedy, focusing on Samson Agonistes. It covers Samson's plight, including his captivity and blindness, and the events leading up to a thanksgiving day set by his…

  • Areopagitica Introduction

    This episode explores John Milton's Areopagitica, discussing the tension between conformity and truth, the dangers of suppression, and the importance of tolerating diverse viewpoints within Christianity.

  • Areopagitica Life of Milton

    In "Areopagitica Life of Milton," the author critiques ecclesiastical licensing that suppresses free inquiry, urging England to protect its liberty to debate and argue for spiritual and intellectual growth.

  • Areopagitica Part 3

    This episode discusses how reason and choice, granted by Providence, are foundational to virtue. It argues against eradicating sin through prohibition alone and critiques licensing orders that hinder learned men and the spread of knowledge.

  • Areopagitica Part 2

    This episode of The John Milton Library delves into "Areopagitica Part 2," examining the origins and nature of book-licensing as a foreign imposition. It extols the exercise of reading as essential for cultivating virtue and discusses the…

  • Areopagitica Part 1

    In Areopagitica Part 1, John Milton addresses the English Parliament, advocating for civil liberty and the free exchange of ideas. He examines the history of censorship and warns against suppressing knowledge, urging against harsh restrain…