In Paradise Lost (1667), Milton produced the most magnificent poetic account ever written of the biblical Fall of man. In this wide-ranging study, William Poole presents a comprehensive analysis of the origin, evolution, and contemporary discussion of the Fall, and the way seventeenth-century authors, particularly Milton, represented it. Poole first examines the range and depth of early modern thought on the subject, then explains and evaluates the basis of the idea and the intellectual and theological controversies it inspired from early Christian times to Milton's own century. The second part of the book delves deeper into the development of Milton's own thought on the Fall, from the earliest of his poems, through his prose, to his mature epic. Poole distinguishes clearly for the first time the range and complexity of contemporary debates on the Fall of man, and offers many insights into the originality and sophistication of Milton's work.

A reading of Milton's writing on the Fall of man in its theological and historical context.

About the Author
William Poole is a Tutorial Fellow in English at New College, Oxford.

Reviews
Review of the hardback: '... thoroughly researched, well-written and often fascinating ... Milton and the Idea of the Fall repays careful reading: it is rich, detailed and intelligent.' The Times Literary Supplement
Review of the hardback: 'Milton and the Idea of the Fall offers a radical rereading of Milton that takes religion seriously without losing sight of the political stakes.' Modern Language Review
Review of the hardback: 'Milton and the Idea of the Fall is one of those specialist books that open out to change not only the way we think about Milton, but also the way we conceive of the period.' Modern Language Review



Book Information
ISBN 9780521120166
Author William Poole
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 380g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 15mm