Physical description

Selections from the Prose Works of John Milton
Author: John Milton
Edited by the Rev.James J G Graham
Publisher: Hurst and Blackett
Date: 1870
Further Information: Red embossed hardcover with a red spine and lettering in gold. The spine has a Library label with an inscription.

Publication type

fiction

Inscriptions & markings

The label on the spine cover has the typed text R.A.824.4 MIL
Fly paper has a stamp from Colac Municipal Library over the of this is a stamp that reads "Cancelled"
Front paste down paper has Presentation Sticker from Coat of Arms from a Geelong School that reads
" 2nd Prize. Presented by The Head Master. Award to H S R Thornton. For English 3rd form. Christmas 1876. Signed J B Wilson M.A. Head Master.

Summary

Selections from the Prose Works of John Milton (1870) is a curated compilation of the non-poetic writings of John Milton. While Milton is globally famous for epic poems like Paradise Lost, he spent a significant portion of his adult life writing fiery political and religious tracts.
This specific volume, compiled and annotated by the Rev. James J.G. Graham, extracts the most powerful segments of Milton’s prose. The book organizes his writings to give readers a cohesive look at Milton's philosophy, including his arguments for the freedom of the press known as Areopagitica. This was a famous 1644 prose pamphlet by Milton, written to protest Parliament's Licensing Order of 1643, which mandated government pre-approval for all published books. It remains one of the most historically significant defences of freedom of speech and the press. This work also encompasses his thoughts on the right to overthrow tyrannical rulers, his views on church reform, and various autobiographical passages.