John Milton; considered the greatest writer in the history of English literature after Shakespeare, was born December 9, 1608, in London, and died about November 8, 1674, possibly in London. His works include "Paradise Lost"; his most notable piece, "Paradise Regained", and "Samson Agonistes". He was deeply opposed to the English monarchy. Milton received an excellent education as he matured; in no small par due to his family's financial prosperity. He was taught classical languages, and developed a lifelong appreciation of music from his father. Milton was a hardworking student, but he was also very argumentative; he was suspended from Cambridge in 1626 after a tense dispute with his mentor. He also partook in several years of private studies and literary composition at his family homes.
As the English Civil War began to brew, Milton aligned himself with Oliver Cromwell and the Roundheads.With the Cromwellian government in control, Milton was appointed Secretary for Foreign Tongues and wrote several pieces for the government. In 1652, Milton lost both his eyesight and wife of ten years; Mary Powell. He was briefly thrown in jail in June 1660 after King Charles II was restored to the throne in May of that year.
With the restoration of the Crown, Milton remarried, and spent his time tutoring students and writing his masterpiece: "Paradise Lost"; first published in 1667. The astounding thing is that he managed to write the multi-book epic poem in spite of his blindness. He worked around this by composing the verses in head, and recited them by memory for his aides to scribe in his stead. He wrote several more works for the next 7 years, and then died peacefully of gout in 1674.
John Milton is remembered mostly for his masterpiece"Paradise Lost"; written in spite of being blind. He is also remembered for his opposition against the English crown and his involvement within the Cromwellian government.
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