Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction: "Historicizing" Milton Chapter 2 Shrewd Frontispieces: "To the Parliament of England" Chapter 3 Use (or Abuse) of History Chapter 4 The Christian Authorities Chapter 5 The Insufficiency of Licensing Chapter 6 The Harm of Licensing Chapter 7 Digression on the "Nation" Chapter 8 The Peroration: "What is Appropriate for Each" Chapter 9 Conclusion: "Polite Wisdom" Chapter 10 Appendix: Events in The Life of John Milton

About the Author

Paul M. Dowling is professor of English at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York.

Reviews

... reopens the question of Milton's orthodoxy by taking a fresh look at what is really going on behind the complex wandering syntax and elusive allusivenes of the great poet's prose. -- Paul A. Cantor, University of Virginia ... a pathbreaking interpretation of Milton's Areopagitica ... It is a fine work of scholarship. It should be of great interest to Milton scholars and to all students of the history of political thought. -- David L. Schaefer, Holy Cross College ... [T]the most penetrating and provocative work on Milton's Areopagitica that I've seen ... Dowling's striking thesis ... is presented with impressive historical learning and philosophic subtlety ... -- Harry M. Clor, Kenyon College