40 Interesting Facts about John Milton

Dan August 21, 2023

John Milton, an English poet, scholar, and pamphleteer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of the 17th century. Born on December 9, 1608, in London, he displayed remarkable talent from a young age and became a central figure in the literary and political landscape of his time.

Milton’s most renowned work is the epic poem “Paradise Lost,” published in 1667. This ambitious masterpiece explores themes of creation, rebellion, and redemption through the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. The poem’s rich language and profound ideas established Milton as a seminal figure in English literature.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Milton was a staunch defender of civil liberties and individual freedoms. He wrote numerous pamphlets and essays on political and religious matters, advocating for freedom of expression and the separation of church and state. His most famous defense of free speech is “Areopagitica,” a powerful argument against pre-publication censorship.

Milton’s life was marked by political upheaval, including the English Civil War and the Interregnum period. He supported the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell and served in various official capacities, including Latin Secretary to the Council of State. Despite his personal hardships, including his eventual blindness, Milton’s dedication to his ideals and his prolific literary output have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations of writers, thinkers, and advocates of individual liberty.

If you are interested to know more about John Milton, it’s surely a good idea to look at these 40 interesting facts about John Milton.

1. John Milton was born on December 9, 1608, in London, England.
2. He was the third child of John Milton Sr. and Sara Jeffrey.
3. Milton’s father was a successful scrivener (a legal secretary) and composer.
4. He attended St. Paul’s School and later Christ’s College, Cambridge, where he studied classics and literature.
5. Milton was known for his exceptional proficiency in multiple languages, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, and Italian.
6. He completed his education at Cambridge and considered becoming a clergyman, but his independent thinking led him in a different direction.
7. Milton embarked on a grand tour of Europe to further his education and cultural experiences.
8. He spent time in France and Italy, where he met influential thinkers and absorbed the cultural developments of the time.
9. During his travels, Milton also engaged in intellectual debates and discussions.
10. Milton wrote some of his early poetry during his travels, including “L’Allegro” and “Il Penseroso.”
11. He returned to England in 1639, just before the outbreak of the English Civil War.
12. Milton’s political views leaned toward republicanism and the abolition of the monarchy.
13. He married Mary Powell in 1642, but the marriage faced difficulties, and she left him for a period of time.
14. During the Interregnum period (1649-1660), Milton became an influential figure in the Commonwealth and the Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell.
15. He served as Latin Secretary to the Council of State, responsible for writing official correspondence in Latin.
16. Milton’s most famous pamphlet, “Areopagitica,” published in 1644, defended freedom of the press and expression.
17. He went blind in the 1650s, likely due to glaucoma.
18. Despite his blindness, Milton continued to write, compose, and engage in political and theological debates.
19. He married his second wife, Katherine Woodcock, in 1656, but she died just a year later.
20. Milton’s political views shifted from republicanism to a more moderate stance over time.
21. His epic poem “Paradise Lost,” published in 1667, is considered one of the greatest works of English literature.
22. “Paradise Lost” explores the Biblical story of Adam and Eve’s fall from grace and Satan’s rebellion.
23. Milton’s use of blank verse and his intricate exploration of theological and philosophical themes made “Paradise Lost” a groundbreaking work.
24. He followed up with “Paradise Regained” and “Samson Agonistes,” completing his trilogy of major works.
25. Milton’s later works, including his prose and poetry, reflected his changing views on politics and theology.
26. He supported the Restoration of the monarchy under Charles II, despite his earlier republican leanings.
27. Despite his changing political stance, Milton was not persecuted after the Restoration, possibly due to his reputation as a literary figure.
28. His collected works were published in 1673, three years before his death.
29. Milton’s “Tenure of Kings and Magistrates” (1649) argued for the right of a people to overthrow a tyrannical government.
30. He composed numerous sonnets throughout his life, including ones dedicated to political figures and friends.
31. Milton’s writings influenced Enlightenment thinkers and later generations of poets and writers.
32. He was known for his disciplined work ethic and commitment to his literary pursuits.
33. Milton’s daughter Deborah assisted him in his later years, helping with his writing and daily tasks.
34. Milton was a supporter of women’s education and wrote on the subject in his treatise “On Education.”
35. He died on November 8, 1674, at the age of 65.
36. Milton’s burial in St. Giles Cripplegate Churchyard went largely unnoticed, and he was not initially celebrated as a literary giant.
37. His reputation grew over time, and today he is considered one of the greatest poets in the English language.
38. Milton’s influence extended to Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
39. The phrase “better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven” from “Paradise Lost” has become a widely recognized quotation.
40. John Milton’s legacy continues to be celebrated for his profound contributions to literature, political thought, and the exploration of complex philosophical themes.

John Milton’s legacy stands as a testament to the boundless power of the human mind. His brilliance as a poet, scholar, and thinker illuminated the complexities of theology, politics, and human nature. Through his epic works like “Paradise Lost,” he unveiled the depths of human ambition, the struggle between good and evil, and the intricate tapestry of creation. His fearless defense of free speech in “Areopagitica” resonates across centuries as a beacon of intellectual liberty. Despite personal challenges, including blindness and shifting political landscapes, Milton’s unwavering commitment to expression and exploration left an indelible mark on literature, philosophy, and the trajectory of thought. His words remain an enduring source of inspiration, reminding us of the enduring capacity of language to shape minds, hearts, and the course of history.