Samson Agonistes

In 1796, William Hayley named John Milton the “greatest English author,” high praise considering Milton (1608-1674) lived during the Age of Shakespeare. Regardless of whether Milton is truly the greatest English author, few question his legacy as one of the greatest writers of the English language and one of the most important philosophers of modern Europe. 


Living during a tumultuous period that saw the English Civil War and the rise of Oliver Cromwell, Milton witnessed firsthand the political and religious conflicts that swept not just England but much of Europe during the 17th century. Not surprisingly, these became themes in much of his works, including the epic poems Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained, which are considered not just his masterpieces but some of the greatest poems ever written. 


Samson Agonistes is best known for being attached to Paradise Regained when Milton published his legendary work, and scholars have debated when Samson was written in relation to Paradise Regained. Written as a tragedy, the poetry is about the Biblical character Samson. 

This edition of Milton’s Samson Agonistes is specially formatted with a Table of Contents and is illustrated with over a dozen pictures of Milton, his life, and his work.