Paradise Lost

An Epic Poem

John Milton’s epic poem about the Fall of Man including the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel, Satan, and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Written when Milton was nearly sixty years old, it is considered to be his masterpiece, and helped solidify his reputation as one of the greatest English poets of his time. Having gone blind in 1652, Milton wrote Paradise Lost entirely through dictation with the help of amanuenses and friends. He also wrote the poem while he was often ill, suffering from gout, and despite suffering emotionally after the early death of his second wife, Katherine Woodcock, in 1658, and the death of their infant daughter.

Originally published in 1667, this edition is derived from the book published in 1866 with 50 illustrations by Gustave Doré. Doré’s illustrations were among his finest and most dramatic works. As always, this edition is complete and unabridged.