The Astronomy of Milton's 'Paradise Lost'

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

28434

Title

The Astronomy of Milton's 'Paradise Lost'

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This scholarly work explores the astronomical knowledge and celestial imagery within John Milton's 'Paradise Lost.' Author Thomas Nathaniel Orchard examines Milton's understanding of the heavens, contrasting his poetic descriptions with the scientific advancements of the seventeenth century, including the works of Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo.

Summary up to 500 words

Thomas Nathaniel Orchard's *The Astronomy of Milton's 'Paradise Lost'* offers a comprehensive examination of the celestial science embedded within John Milton's epic. Orchard begins with a historical survey of astronomy, tracing its evolution from ancient Chaldean and Greek observations through Arab contributions to the revolutionary discoveries of the seventeenth century. He highlights key figures such as Tycho Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton, detailing the pivotal shift from Ptolemaic geocentrism to the heliocentric model and the formulation of the laws of planetary motion and gravitation. Orchard assesses Milton's specific astronomical competence, arguing that the poet possessed a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the science of his time. While acknowledging the lingering influence of astrology and ancient myths, Orchard demonstrates that Milton utilized contemporary scientific understanding to enhance the grandeur and accuracy of his poetic vision. The text systematically addresses various celestial topics, including the structure of the solar system, the nature of comets, the phases of Venus, and the composition of the Milky Way. The work provides detailed descriptions of specific celestial objects mentioned in the poem, such as sunspots, constellations, and planetary satellites. Orchard notes that Milton's familiarity with the works of Galileo and the recent discoveries regarding Jupiter's moons and the satellites of Saturn allowed him to describe these phenomena with remarkable precision. Furthermore, the book serves as both an educational resource on the history of science and a critical appreciation of how scientific understanding shaped Milton's literary imagination. By integrating the latest astronomical theories with poetic license, Orchard reveals how Milton's 'Paradise Lost' stands as a testament to the harmony between scientific inquiry and artistic expression during an era of profound intellectual transformation.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Poetry
• Science