Milton and Ecology

In Milton and Ecology, Ken Hiltner engages with literary, theoretical, and historic approaches to explore the ideological underpinnings of our prevalent environmental crisis. Focusing on Milton’s rejection of dualistic theology, metaphysical philosophy, and early-modern subjectivism, Hiltner argues that Milton anticipates certain prevailing essential ecological arguments. Even more remarkable is that Milton was able to integrate these arguments with biblical sources so seamlessly that his interpretative ‘Green’ reading of scripture has for over three centuries been entirely plausible. This study considers how Milton, from the earliest edition of the Poems, not only sought to tell the story of how through humanity’s folly Paradise on earth was lost, but also sought to tell how it might be regained. This intriguing study will be of interest to eco-critics and Milton specialists alike.

• Sheds light on Milton’s work through an innovative eco-critical approach • Offers insights into the ideological background to responses to the environmental crisis • Will be of interest to seventeenth-century specialists as well as eco-critics