Written by John Milton, an English poet of the seventeenth century, Paradise Lost is a long and narrative poem in a blank verse form. The original publication of the poem was done in 10 books in the year 1667 containing more than ten thousand individual verse lines. In 1674, the second edition of the epic poetry was published and the division was done in 12 books.
The Christian story behind the “Fall of Man” is the theme of this work by Milton. He has described the whole scenario of Adam and Eve getting tempted by Satan and then being expelled from the Garden of Eden. The purpose of this book from Milton is the justification of God’s way towards men. Paganism, Christianity and classical references from Greece have been included by the poet in his work. A range of topics including politics, marriage and monarchy have been included in this long poem. Apart from that, theological aspects such as predestination, fate, the Trinity along with the beginning of death and sin on the earth are also a part of the poetry. Milton has applied his vast knowledge about languages and distinct sources such as the New Testament, Genesis, some parts of the Old Testament and the Book of Enoch. The epic poem written by Milton is counted among the greatest works in English literature.
The epic was started in 1658 by Milton and was completed around the year 1664. The entire work that he composed has been done while he was completely blind. The Bible has left its mark in Paradise Lost as the poem appears to have been significantly influenced by it. Another large contributor that has influenced the writing is the upbringing of the poet in the Puritan environment and his own perspectives about religion. With an extensive deep content, the messages and the flow of the verses, Paradise Lost is indeed an excellent read for all ages. This epic poem certainly deserves a place in the list of 10 books everyone should read.
