Paradise Lost (Penguin Classics)

"Definitely not my favorite. It is ridiculously hard to keep track of who is talking and even what they are talking about. I would advise that only truly skilled readers even try to understand this piece. Unbelievably challenging. I didn't like it."

It is considered one of the greatest works of the English language for a reason. Milton is a genius and provides life to what was previously scripture. Satan is seen in a completely different light in this work then in the section of Genesis it is based upon. Definately a must read.

Milton is verbose! You have to read a sentence two times to understand it but the pictures painted of the plan of redemption are breathtaking at times. Watch out for subtle Arianism and a few other of Milton's strange views, as well as a much embellished biblical story. Paradise Lost takes the whole "War in Heaven" to a more human level. Lucifer isn't portrayed as this evil, bloodthirsty demon; he's more of a general who lost a war and is being tormented by the victor.

Very, very, very, VERY hard going but makes a lot of sense - once you get used to the archaic English...

An absolutely beautifully written piece, considering I don't like poetry that much at all. I've read it three times, and each time was better than the last; the imagery and details get better and better!

My only caveat: Milton and the Bible are quite abusive toward women. However, I would argue that the serpent is one very obvious phallic symbol. Perhaps this could be taken as subtext that men, not women, are the true perpetrators...and i heartily agree with that.

Dante and Milton are two of my favorite poets. This epic poem is, in my opinion, second only to the Divine Comedy. It get better the more you read it.

Milton's 17th century vernacular is a chore to navigate, however, a great story none the less. Worth reading if you have "a lot" of time to decipher his references.

I think this may be my all-time favorite literary work. I love the language Milton uses to describe Eve before the fall.

really enjoyed this and all the classical references. The notes at the back are really important for readers that may struggle with the language.

An excellent book. It takes some work to get through all of the classical references he uses, but even without understanding them all (which i didn't) there is plenty of clear vivid description. It's so well done it's like standing in the middle of the scene of a beautiful painting. Milton structured the story well also, for instance, Adam had no excuse at all for his fall, Milton was so good in fact at removing any possible reason for his subsequent fall that I really wondered how he was going to portray it without him appearing insane in the end. However, it came off perfectly. Finally, Milton's command of the language was so exceptional, I get embarrassed to speak a word for a good day or so after reading it - imagine if we all had such an education.