John Miltonbr1608 1674 brA famous English poet polemicist man of letters and civil servant for the Commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell. brbrMiltons poetry and prose reflect deep personal convictions a passion for freedom and self-determination and the urgent issues and political turbulence of his day. brbrParadise Lost 1667 an epic poem written in blank verse is considered to be Miltons major work. It certainly helped solidify his reputation as one of the greatest English poets of his time.The poem concerns the Biblical story of the Fall of Man: the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Miltons purpose stated in Book I is to justify the ways of God to men.