Areopagitica and Other Writings

John Milton, celebrated and denounced in his own time as both a poet and a polemicist, is remembered today primarily for his poetry, particularly his epic masterpiece Paradise Lost, published in 1667. However, in his own time, Milton was more widely recognized as a writer of prose. This new, superbly annotated edition from Penguin Classics presents an authoritative collection of Milton's major prose works, including his political and doctrinal writings, as well as the renowned Areopagitica.

For more than sixty-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With a global bookshelf of over 1,500 titles, Penguin Classics represents the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by insightful introductions and notes from distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as award-winning translations.

This new edition of Milton's selected prose works is no exception. It includes seminal pieces such as Of Education, The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates, and the Divorce tracts, as well as the famous 1644 polemical tract Areopagitica, in which Milton argued passionately against licensing and censorship. These works showcase Milton's versatility as a writer and his profound influence on political, religious, and intellectual discourse.

Milton's prose writings, which have often been overshadowed by his poetic achievements, deserve renewed attention and appreciation. They offer valuable insights into the tumultuous times in which he lived, as well as his own evolving perspectives on a wide range of issues. From his defense of political and religious liberty to his complex views on divorce and education, Milton's prose corpus reflects the depth and complexity of his intellectual engagement with the pressing concerns of his era.

This new Penguin Classics edition, meticulously edited and annotated, provides readers with an essential resource for understanding the full breadth of Milton's literary and intellectual legacy. Whether you are a scholar of Milton's work or a general reader seeking to explore the writings of one of the most influential figures in English literature, this collection is a must-have addition to your library.

product information: