Milton Among the Puritans: The Case for Historical Revisionism

Martin (English, University of Memphis) blends history and literary exegesis in this revisionist view of John Milton's Puritan beliefs and connections. The first half of her study places Milton within the social turmoil of Caroline and Cromwellian England. She gives several examples indicating that Milton was not a Puritan but that many of his beliefs, derived from Francis Bacon, coincided with the political goals of the dissenters. The second section contains a close reading of Milton's major poems Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes concentrating on their theological themes. Martin begins with a bibliographical essay that explains how the myth of Milton as the quintessential Puritan poet began with Carlyle and went unchallenged for years. This will be of interest to both historians and Milton scholars. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Catherine Gimelli Martin teaches at the University of Memphis, USA, where she has been the recipient of a Dunavant Professorship and several distinguished research awards. The Milton Society of America and the John Donne Society have similarly honored her with essay and book awards.