The Essential John Milton

Version: Unabridged
Author: John Milton
Narrator: Samantha Bond , Anton Lesser
Genres: Fiction & Literature, Poetry
Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks
Published In: August 2008
# of Units: 8 CDs
Length: 9 hours, 45 minutes
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Overview

This thoughtful collection of John Miltons finest poetry marks the quarter centenary of the poets birth in 1608. It is read by several of Britains foremost classical actors, including Anton Lesser, Samantha Bond and Derek Jacobi. Miltons uncompromising views set him firmly on the side of Cromwell, putting his life in danger when the Stuart monarchy was restored. But he is now remembered for Paradise Lost and a strong collection of other poetry which influenced successive generations. This collection offers an ideal overview, including the complete Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained, excerpts from other major works, including Comus and Samson Agonistes, as well as sonnets and famous shorter poems such as On his blindness, plus a biography of Milton.

Selected Reviews

The Essential John Milton

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 5/5

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Reviews (1)

The Essential John Milton

Written by Anonymous on September 20th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This is a very satisfying collection that includes large sections of Paradise Lost, the whole of Paradise Regained, lots of other poetry, some prose selections, and a helpful biography. The voices are excellent, but technically, I had some trouble with Paradise Lost in that Eve and Satan (when not orating) speak very softly. This may only be a problem with my portable CD player and may not arise with more sophisticated machines. It was good to hear the full Paradise Regained. I know it is not supposed to be as exciting as "Lost," but Milton's vision of the temptations in the desert and the dialogues between Jesus and Satan is powerful and imaginative; really wonderful. C. S. Lewis and others contest the idea that Satan is a heroic figure. I never thought he was anyway, but from the reader's masterly interpretation of Satan, it is easy to recognize the fallen archangel for what he is: a barking-mad, paranoid, egotistical tyrant.

Selected Reviews

The Essential John Milton

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 5/5

More...

Read All 1

Author Details

Author Details

Milton, John

John Carey is emeritus Merton Professor of English Literature at the Universityof Oxford, and is acknowledged as one of the world's leading Miltonists. He has written extensively on Milton's life and poetry and translated his treatise 'On Christian Doctrine' for the Yale "Complete Prose Works of John Milton"