Paradise Lost is an epic poem in blank verse by the 17th-century English poet John Milton. The first version, published in 1667, consists of ten books with over ten thousand lines of verse. A second edition followed in 1674, arranged into twelve books with minor revisions throughout. The poem tells the biblical story of the fall from grace of Adam and Eve (and, by extension, all humanity) in language that is a supreme achievement of English literature. It is considered to be Miltons masterpiece, and it helped solidify his reputation as one of the greatest English poets of all time.
In Paradise Lost, Milton ignores the traditional epic format of a plot based on a mortal conflict between opposing armies with deities watching over and occasionally interfering with the action. Instead, both divinity and humanity are involved in a conflict that, while momentarily ending in tragedy, offers a future salvation. The poem also includes the story of the origin of Satan. Originally he was called Lucifer, an angel in heaven who led his followers in a war against God, and was ultimately sent with them to hell.
Many other works of art have been inspired by Paradise Lost, notably Joseph Haydns oratorio The Creation (1798) and John Keatss long poem "Endymion" (1818). Although discussion of Paradise Lost often is dominated by political and theological arguments, the poem also contains a tender celebration of love.
