John Milton (1608-1674) was not just an iconic English poet but also a profound thinker and political commentator. As a devout Reformed Christian and fervent libertarian, Milton's works championed individual freedom, truth, and resistance against tyranny and religious oppression.
This modernized reader brings together twenty-five of Milton's seminal philosophical and political treatises, thoughtfully updated for contemporary readers. Key works include:
• On England's Reformation: A critique of religious and political corruption, advocating for reform based on liberty and conscience.
• On Prelatical Episcopacy: A challenge to ecclesiastical hierarchy and political ambition, promoting egalitarian church governance.
• Areopagitica: A passionate defense of free speech and publication, opposing censorship in favor of open dialogue and diverse voices.
• The Defense of 'Smectymnuus': An assertion of freedom of expression and individual conscience amid civil war.
• On Education: An ahead-of-its-time vision for holistic education, emphasizing virtue, wisdom, and intellectual freedom.
• Revisiting Divorce Doctrine and Discipline: A provocative challenge to societal norms and religious orthodoxy regarding marriage and personal autonomy.
• Kings and Magistrates and Their Accountability: A defense of republican government and the right to depose tyrannical rulers, influencing later political thought.
• Iconoclastes: A repudiation of monarchical myths, defending the Parliamentary cause against royalist propaganda.
• The Second Defense of the English People: A robust justification of the regicide of Charles I, defending the Commonwealth's legitimacy and principles.
Milton's eloquence and conviction resonate through these modernized texts, making them accessible to today's readers while preserving their original fervor and insight. Ideal for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the intersections of literature, philosophy, and politics, this collection highlights Milton's enduring relevance in the ongoing discourse on liberty, governance, and human rights.
