https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-john-milton-library--6891155enFictionPublic domainhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/eaaad0494c914326020e4eb7873a1edf.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-john-milton-library--6891155Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:45:04 +0000John MiltonGood Old Classicsfeeds@spreaker.comEnter a realm where verse ascends and thought contends with eternity. The John Milton Library gathers the great works of England’s sovereign poet and sets them forth in living voice - unabridged, unhurried, and aflame with the music of epic song....false8684d557-b268-56a5-b47d-eb6ab53eddf4serialhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/areopagitica-part-1--70307803https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70307803Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:10:14 +0000John MiltonIn which the author earnestly addresses the Parliament of England, extolling the virtues of civil liberty and the free exchange of ideas while cautioning against the overreach of licensing that stifles learning and truth. He thoughtfully examines the...2697false11fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/areopagitica-part-2--70307805https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70307805Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:30:05 +0000John MiltonIn which the origins and nature of book-licensing are examined with a discerning eye, revealing it as a foreign and tyrannical imposition rather than a beneficent law of well-ordered states, and the exercise of reading is extolled as a necessary...2554false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/areopagitica-part-3--70307804https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70307804Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the liberties of reason and choice granted by divine Providence are extolled as the foundation of virtue, and the futility of attempting to eradicate sin by mere prohibition of its outward matter is demonstrated with measured reflection. The...2185false13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/areopagitica-life-of-milton--70307807https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70307807Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the author reflects upon the dangers of ecclesiastical licensing that stifles the free pursuit of truth and learning among clergy and laity alike, warning against an imposed uniformity that hinders the rich diversity of inquiry and opinion...1777false14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/areopagitica-introduction--70307806https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70307806Sat, 14 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the struggle betwixt outward conformity and the liberty of truth is pondered, emphasising the peril of rigid uniformity and the virtue of tolerating diverse Christian opinions that need not sunder the unity of spirit. The discourse moves to...839false15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-the-preface-the-argument-the-persons--70524708https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524708Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:30:04 +0000John MiltonIn which the nature and dignity of Tragedy are thoughtfully expounded, affirming its moral and cathartic purpose through the stirring of pity and fear, whilst acknowledging the ancient models and the careful structure observed in this dramatic poem....640false21fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-section-1--70524705https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524705Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which Samson, confined and blind, muses solemnly upon his grievous condition, reflecting on the bitter contrast between his once-godlike strength and present imprisonment, while wrestling with thoughts of destiny, loss, and the burden of his own...924false22fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-section-2--70524704https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524704Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the Chorus beholds Samson in a forlorn and dispirited state, lamenting the tragic shift from his former heroic might and renown to a grievous captivity compounded by blindness and despair. They approach with gentle sympathy and counsel, as...693false23fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-section-3--70524706https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524706Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the valiant Samson recounts the impassioned choices of his heart and the grievous consequences thereof, lamenting both the failure of Israel’s leaders to recognise divine providence and the stubborn ingratitude of his countrymen. Together...877false24fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-section-4--70524710https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524710Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the once-mighty Samson lies captive and blind, lamenting the grievous consequences of his own faltering faith and folly that led to his downfall, while a visiting man reflects mournfully on the frailty of mortal strength and the irony of...1119false25fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-section-5--70524707https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524707Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the fallen Samson confesses his grievous errors and mourns the dishonour brought upon his God through his weakened faith and ill counsel, expressing a sombre hope for divine vindication against idolatry. The discourse between him, his Father,...460false26fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-section-6--70524701https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524701Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the fallen Champion, lamenting his lost strength and blindness, confesses the deep anguish and despair that torment both his body and soul despite his once miraculous temperance and divine favour. His discourse with a compassionate friend...910false27fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-section-7--70524702https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524702Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:30:05 +0000John MiltonIn which the Chorus meditates upon the burdens and sufferings ordained by divine providence, particularly upon those chosen for great purposes, lamenting their frequent descent into adversity, before observing the approach of Dalila, arrayed in...744false28fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-section-8--70524709https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524709Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which Dalila seeks to mitigate her offence by appealing to shared human weakness and the compelling power of love, urging Samson towards pardon with a mingling of contrition and reasoned excuse. In turn, Samson rebuffs her plea with stern judgment,...662false29fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-section-9--70524699https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524699Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the mournful discourse unfolds between Samson and Dalila, revealing the bitter estrangement born of broken trust and conflicting loyalties, framed by solemn reflections on love, duty, and the grievous weight of mistaken zeal. The lamentations...835false210fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-section-10--70524700https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524700Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which Samson reflects upon the bitter consequences of misplaced trust and the deceptive nature of beauty, engaging in a proud and defiant discourse with the Philistine giant Harapha, who mocks his blindness and challenges his might. And in the...805false211fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/samson-agonistes-section-11--70524703https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70524703Fri, 01 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the resolute Samson prepares to face his captors with unwavering obedience to his vow and steadfast hope, whilst his father Manoa ardently petitions for his redemption amidst stirring omens. The tale unfolds to reveal a grand and final...813false212fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-front-matter--70905237https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905237Tue, 05 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the poet’s grand design unfolds in noble verse unbound by rhyme, seeking to restore ancient liberty and noble measure to the heroic poem. With humility and admiration, the reader contemplates the lofty subject and majestic style, marveling at...411false31fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-1--70905232https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905232Sat, 09 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the narrative unfolds the grievous revolt and expulsion of celestial beings from their exalted realm, casting them into a dread abyss of fire and darkness, where amidst despair, their undaunted chief rouses his legions to counsel and...2933false32fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-2--70905230https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905230Wed, 13 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the fallen spirits convene to debate their grim fortunes and consult on the direst means to reclaim their lost dominion, settling upon a perilous exploration beyond Hell’s gates to discover a new realm where a different kind of creature is...3951false33fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-3--70905227https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905227Sun, 17 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the Almighty, from his throne in Heaven, contemplates the fate of Man and the wicked designs of the rebellious spirit, foretelling both the peril and the grace appointed to mankind through the willing sacrifice of the Son, embodying divine...2877false34fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-4--70905226https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905226Thu, 21 May 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the arch-fiend, burdened with torment and pride, ventures alone to the enchanting bounds of Eden, beholding with envious gaze the innocent pair of man and woman amidst their blissful abode and forbidden tree, whilst celestial guardians...3838false35fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-5--70905228https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905228Mon, 25 May 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the morning light reveals Eve troubled by a dream of dire import, and Adam, though uneasy, offers comfort and reflection as they prepare to labour in Eden's bounteous midst; and thereafter the angel Raphael descends to impart divine counsel,...3269false36fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-6--70905236https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905236Fri, 29 May 2026 18:30:04 +0000John MiltonIn which the valiant Host of Heaven, led by Michael and Gabriel, engage in fierce combat against the rebellious Powers under Satan’s command, resorting to dreadful engines of war and monumental assaults in a tumult that shakes the very realms...3290false37fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-7--70905234https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905234Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the archangel Raphael, by divine commission, recounts to Adam the majestic creation of the world through the omnipotent will of God and his Son, detailing the harmonious ordering of the heavens, earth, seas, and living creatures in six days,...2350false38fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-8--70905229https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905229Sat, 06 Jun 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the first man Adam, musing on the vast celestial motions and the great Creator’s design, finds his curiosity gently tempered by the Angel Raphael’s wise counsel to seek knowledge more pertinent to his mortal state and earthly abode....2434false39fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-9--70905233https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905233Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the celestial narrative unfolds the subtle and measured counsel of Adam and Eve as they deliberate the division of their labours within the bounteous Garden, whilst the insidious foe of mankind, veiled in the form of a cunning serpent,...4476false310fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-10--70905225https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905225Sun, 14 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the grievous transgression of Man is revealed and solemnly judged by the Son of God, whose mercy veils their nakedness even as dire punishments are declared; meanwhile, Sin and Death, emboldened by their newfound dominion, construct a...4154false311fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-11--70905235https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905235Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the prayers of our first parents, contrite and renewed in spirit, ascend to the throne of Heaven where the Father, through the Son's intercession, decrees their expulsion from Paradise, appointing Michael to lead them forth and reveal to Adam...3235false312fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-lost-book-12--70905231https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70905231Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the Archangel Michael reveals to Adam the unfolding history of mankind from the Flood onwards, proclaiming the divine promises of a Redeemer and the trials of nations under law and grace. With hearts both burdened and reassured, Adam and Eve,...2348false313fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-regain-d-the-first-book--70906367https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70906367Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:30:06 +0000John MiltonIn which the Son of God, newly baptised and revealed by heavenly witness, is led by the Spirit into the desert wilderness, there to meditate deeply upon his divine mission and to confront the subtle adversary freshly roused to oppose him. The scene is...1703false41fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-regain-d-the-second-book--70906370https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70906370Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the disciples and Mary grapple with uncertainty and patient hope after the sudden absence of the Messiah, whilst the Son of God, fasting in the desert, contemplates his mission and withstands the Tempter’s subtle and cunning offers of earthly...1660false42fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-regain-d-the-third-book--70906368https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70906368Sat, 04 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the Son of God encounters the Tempter, who vainly seeks to divert him with enticements of earthly glory and royal dominion, only to be met with calm and profound refutations that praise humility, patience, and divine timing over worldly...1550false43fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paradise-regain-d-the-fourth-book--70906369https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70906369Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the Tempter, thwarted and confounded by his repeated failures, offers the Son of God the kingdoms of the world on condition of wrongful homage, only to be met with steadfast refusal and divine wisdom surpassing human and heathen learning....2300false44fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-1--72865280https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865280Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:30:06 +0000John MiltonIn which the origins of Britain are explored through a tapestry of ancient tales and genealogies, blending mythic giants, Trojan exiles, and the deeds of early kings into a grand, if sometimes questionable, narrative. The account unfolds with pious...3758false51fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-2-part-i--72865284https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865284Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:30:04 +0000John MiltonIn which the valiant Roman legions, under the command of Julius Caesar and his successors, embark upon their first encounters with the diverse and warlike peoples of Britain, unveiling a land of fierce resistance, intricate customs, and rugged...4062false52fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-2-part-ii--72865281https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865281Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the tumultuous struggles and uneasy dominion of Rome over Britain are unfolded through battles fierce and bitter, where valour and folly mingle amidst shifting fortunes and the stern imposition of walls and laws to contain the restless...4034false53fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-3-part-i--72865282https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865282Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:30:04 +0000John MiltonIn which the Britons, abandoned by Roman protection and besieged by barbarous foes, struggle through famine, faction, and spiritual strife, seeking aid and fortification as their lands descend into chaos and division. Amid these straits, they summon...1818false54fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-3-part-ii--72865283https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865283Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the Saxon peoples, guided by prophecy and led by the brothers Hengist and Horsa, are invited into Britain as foederati to aid against northern foes, yet swiftly grow from allies to conquerors, establishing dominion through stratagem and...1818false55fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-3-part-iii--72865287https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865287Sat, 01 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the uncertain truths of Arthur’s famed victories and lineage are delicately weighed against the shadows of legend, revealing a Britain wrested by both valor and internal decay. We then witness the rise of Saxon kingdoms and the lamentable...1950false56fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-4-part-i--72865288https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865288Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the Saxon kingdoms, having matured and grown into rival powers, grapple with both ambition and faith, as the Christian mission led by Augustine unfolds amidst battles, royal alliances, and struggles for religious conformity. The tale observes...2516false57fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-4-part-ii--72865289https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865289Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:30:06 +0000John MiltonIn which the shifting tides of Christian faith and princely strife intersect across the realms of Northumbria, Mercia, and Kent, marked by battles, baptisms, and the solemn labours of bishops and monks striving to secure the Gospel’s sway amid...2503false58fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-4-part-iii--72865285https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865285Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the gradual unfolding of England’s seven kingdoms reveals a delicate balance between peace and strife, painted with the ebb and flow of kingship, piety, and martial endeavour, amidst the rising shadows of foreign incursion and internal...2189false59fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-5-part-i--72865293https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865293Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the reader is conveyed through a tumultuous era of British history, marked by the uneasy union of kingdoms and the devastating invasions of fierce Danes, whose relentless incursions breed ruin and strife across the land. Amidst the trials of...3254false510fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-5-part-ii--72865290https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865290Fri, 21 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the reigns of several English kings are portrayed with a quiet dignity, revealing the strains of war and peace that alike shape their sovereign realms and the shifting allegiances of their subjects. The ancient chronicles unfold scenes of...3361false511fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-6-part-i--72865294https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865294Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the weary realm of England suffers under the weak and distracted rule of King Ethelred, as relentless Danish incursions ravage the land and internal treacheries fracture the Saxon resistance; amid omens and tumults both spiritual and...2629false512fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-6-part-ii--72865292https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865292Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the turbulent saga of England unfolds through valiant battles and shifting allegiances, revealing the uneasy coexistence of Saxon and Danish rulers, entwined with treachery and fleeting truces. Amidst the rise and fall of kings and the uneasy...2231false513fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-book-6-part-iii--72865286https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865286Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which the tale unfolds of King Edward’s reign marked by familial strife, Norman entanglements, and shifting allegiances amidst the tumults of invasion and rebellion, revealing the fragile bonds between rulers and their subjects. The narrative...3388false514fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-history-of-britain-life-of-milton--72865291https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865291Sun, 06 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000John MiltonIn which we get an overview of the life and works of the author.3576false515fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/of-education--72865390https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72865390Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:30:03 +0000John MiltonIn which the noble and comprehensive design of education is laid forth, advocating a method that blends sound learning, virtuous discipline, and practical exercises to cultivate men fit for the duties of both peace and war within a twelve to...1870false61full