About this book
Paradise Lost is an epic poem written by John Milton, first published in 1667. Set against the backdrop of Adam and Eve's fall from grace in the Garden of Eden, the poem explores complex themes of sin, free will, and the nature of evil. Milton skillfully crafts vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to depict Satan's rebellion against God, his subsequent expulsion from heaven, and his relentless pursuit of revenge. The narrative follows the interplay between God, Satan, and mankind, with Milton's eloquent verse conveying profound moral and theological reflections. Paradise Lost remains a timeless masterpiece, inspiring readers to contemplate the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Summary
Paradise Lost is an epic poem in blank verse by the 17th-century English poet John Milton. It was originally published in 1667 in ten books. A second edition followed in 1674, redivided into twelve books (in the manner of the division of Virgil's [Aeneid][1]) with minor revisions throughout and a note on the verification. The poem concerns the Christian story of the Fall of Man: the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Milton's purpose, stated in Book I, is to "justify the ways of God to men" and elucidate the conflict between God's eternal foresight and free will. ([Source][2].)
[1]: http://upstream.openlibrary.org/works/OL47155W/Aeneid
[2]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradise_Lost
First Edition Identification
John Milton’s Paradise Lost was firstly published in 1667, divided into ten books. In the 1674 edition was reorganized into twelve books.
The first edition of the poem was printed in London by S. Simmons. Simmons issued the first 1,200 copies of the edition over a few years, with varying title pages. By the time the 1,200 copies of the first run had sold out, seven different variations of the title page had been produced, bearing dates of 1667, 1668 and 1669. There is no known relationship between when a given copy of the text itself was printed, and the attached title page, making establishing priority difficult.
In 1668 Milton added a preliminary matter. These include “The Argument,” a description of the program of each of the books, and “The Verse”, where the author defends his use of blank verse.
First editions were bound in leather, spine paneled with gilt lettering, and gold gilt-edged pages.
Details
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Title
Paradise Lost Library Edition
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Author
John Milton, Ralph Cosham (Narrator)
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Binding
unknown
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Edition
Unabridged
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Publisher
Blackstone Audiobooks
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Date
October 2006
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ISBN
9780786148042
