His dense verse was a powerful influence on succeeding English poets. His prose was devoted to the defense of civil and religious liberty. Milton is often considered the greatest English poet after Shakespeare.

Milton was born in London on December 9, 1608. He intended to become a clergyman in the Church of England, but growing dissatisfaction with the state of the Anglican clergy together with his own developing poetic interests led him to abandon this purpose.

Paradise Lost is considered Milton's masterpiece and one of the greatest poems in world literature. In its 12 cantos he tells the story of the fall of Adam in a context of cosmic drama and profound speculations. The poet's announced aim was to "justify the ways of God to men." The poem was written with soaring imagination and far-ranging intellectual grasp in his most forceful and exalted style. Paradise Regained, which tells of human salvation through Christ, is a shorter and lesser work, although still one of great richness and strength.

Poet Milton dies at Home

The poet John Milton died of gout today at his home in London. He was 66. He was born in Cheapside and educated at St. Paul's School and Christ's College, Cambridge.

In his writings, Milton supported the parliamentary cause in the civil war between Parliamentarians and Royalists. Due to this support, in 1649 he was appointed foreign secretary by the government of the Commonwealth. He became totally blind about 1652 and thereafter carried on his literary work helped by an assistant, Andrew Marvell. After the restoration of Charles II in 1660, Milton was punished for his support of Parliament by a fine and a short term of imprisonment.

After his imprisonment he lived in seclusion. This provided him with the time to create his greatest work, Paradise Lost. This work was completed in 1667. He then lived in seclusion until until his death today. He is to be burried beside his father in St. Guiles's,   Cripplegate.

Sources:
Compton's Pictured Encyclopedia,and On This Day