John Milton

Portrait: John Milton

John Milton

 Poet, Historian, Writer (c. 1608–c. 1674)

 

John Milton was born in London, England on December 9, 1608 to John Milton Sr. and Sara Jeffery. In 1625, Milton was enrolled in Christ’s College in Cambridge with a desire to become a minister. Even with his lack of friendships, he succeeded academically. Following seven years after being at Cambridge, John decided to go back home to his family. He spent six years unemployed at home studying Greek and Latin authors. In 1638, John decided to travel abroad Europe for 15 months. He spent most of his time in Italy. While he was there he met Galileo, who was possibly under house arrest at that time. After he returned home, Milton served as secretary for foreign languages in Cromwell’s government and he composed official statements defending the Commonwealth. While he was serving Cromwell, Milton steadily lost his eyesight, and by 1651 he was completely blind.  In 1660, Charles II was restored to the throne. After this, Milton was arrested as a defender of the Commonwealth. After he was released, Milton decided to live the rest of his life in secluded and wrote the epic poem Paradise Lost. In 1667, he complete the poem. Finally, John Milton passed away on November 8, 1674, in Buckinghamshire, England from kidney failure.

Fun Facts: 

  • Milton was made fun of in college and his nickname was  “the Lady of Christ’s” because of his manners, pale complexion, and beauty.
  • Since Milton met Galileo, he is referenced to in Paradise Lost.
  • While writing Paradise Lost, he went blind. His daughter had to transcribe the rest of the book for him.
  • Milton was married to 3 different women and living with him was reported to be “not easy.” He had 4 children, 1 son and 3 daughters.

 

Milton Quote
John Milton burial site

 

Works Cited: 

“John Milton.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 5 Oct. 2016, www.biography.com/people/john-milton-9409395. Accessed 3 Oct. 2017.

“John Milton.” Poets.org, Academy of American Poets, 30 Dec. 2014, www.poets.org/poetsorg/poet/john-milton. Accessed 3 Oct. 2017.

Greenblatt, Stephen, and Meyer Howard. Abrams. The Norton anthology of English literature Volume B. New York, Norton & Company, 2013.

Labriola, Albert C. “John Milton.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 23 Aug. 2017, www.britannica.com/biography/John-Milton. Accessed 3 Oct. 2017.

“Little Known Facts About John Milton.” 100 Classics Challenge, 22 Aug. 2013, classicbookreader.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/little-known-facts-about-john-milton/. Accessed 3 Oct. 2017.