Antiformalist, Unrevolutionary, Illiberal Milton: Political Prose, 1644-1660

by William Walker

Overview

On the basis of a close reading of Milton's major published political prose works from 1644 through to the Restoration, William Walker presents the anti-formalist, unrevolutionary, illiberal Milton. Walker shows that Milton placed his faith not so much in particular forms of government as in statesmen he deemed to be virtuous. He reveals Milton's profound aversion to socio-political revolution and his deep commitments to what he took to be orthodox religion. He emphasises that Milton consistently presents himself as a champion not of heterodox religion, but of 'reformation'. He observes how Milton's belief that all men are not equal grounds his support for regimes that had little popular support and that did not provide the same civil liberties to all. And he observes how Milton's powerful commitment to a single religion explains his endorsement of various English regimes that persecuted on grounds of religion. This reading of Milton's political prose thus challenges the current consensus that Milton is an early modern exponent of republicanism, revolution, radicalism, and liberalism. It also provides a fresh account of how the great poet and prose polemicist is related to modern republics that think they have separated church and state.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032927213
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/14/2024
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

William Walker is Associate Professor in the School of the Arts and Media at the University of New South Wales, Australia.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Chapter 1 Antiformalist Milton; Chapter 2 Unrevolutionary Milton; Chapter 3 Illiberal Milton; Chapter 101; Conclusion;