Milton's Languages

Milton's poetry is one of the glories of English literature, and yet it owes everything to Milton's widespread knowledge of other languages: he knew ten, wrote in four, and translated from five. In Milton's Languages, John K. Hale first examines Milton's language-related arts in verse-composition, translations, annotations of Greek poets, Latin prose and political polemic, giving all relevant texts both in the original and in translation. Hale then traces the impact of Milton's multilingualism on his major English poems. Many vexed questions of Milton studies are illuminated by this approach, including his sense of vocation, his attitude to print and publicity, the supposed blemish of Latinism in his poetry and his response to his literary predecessors. Throughout this first full-length study of Milton's use of languages, Hale argues that it is only by understanding Milton's choice among languages that we can fully understand Milton's own unique English. * First full-length study of Milton's languages and their influence on his work * Sheds new light on many central questions in Milton studies e.g. his attitude to print and publicity and his response to literary predecessors * Remarkably accessible and lively study by leading expert on Milton and language'This book works by minute observation of particular examples, impressively informed by knowledge of linguistic characteristics, style, rhetoric and change over time in all Milton's languages, and by the influence of many master texts ... Hall's book should command respect for its special contribution for a very long time to come'. Times Literary Supplement 'The happy consequence of Hale's careful, inductive method is a full, rich reading of the texture of Milton's writing ... a delightful and learned feast. In Hale's descriptions, Milton's English, dynamically harbouring other languages, comes alive in a new, multidimensional, polyglot extravaganza. Ultimately, Hale delivers on his promise and makes us feel that we are inside Milton's verse, moving among his languages, rather than looking distantly down on the verse from outside.' Essays in Criticism ' ... this is a decisive book - a must for students of Milton, of translation, and of Renaissance Humanism generally.' Translation and Literature 'This is a brilliant book: short, pithy, erudite, and astonishingly accessible.' Journal of the A+N2 Association for Medieval and Early Modern Studies