Originally published in 1913 as a portion of the author’s larger “The Book of Epic,” and equivalent in length to a physical book of approximately 30 pages, this Kindle edition retells, in plain English prose, the story of John Milton’s 1667 epic poem, “Paradise Lost.”
“Paradise Lost” describes the temptation of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. One critic calls it “perhaps the loftiest monument of human genius,” and all agree that it ranks with the greatest poems the world has ever known—with the “Iliad,” the “Divine Comedy,” and “Faust.” Milton, who wrote the poem after he had become blind, had the production of some such work in mind for many years, and had considered many subjects; but he chose the biblical narrative as the only theme lofty enough.
Sample passage:
Morning having dawned, Adam awakens refreshed, only to notice the flushed cheeks and discomposed tresses of his companion, from whom, when he awakens her, he learns of a dream wherein a voice urged her to go forth and walk in the garden. Eve goes on to describe how, gliding beneath the trees, she came to the one bearing the forbidden fruit, and descried among its branches a winged shape, which bade her taste of the apples and not despise the boon of knowledge. Although chilled with horror at the mere suggestion, Eve admits that she yielded, because the voice assured her one taste would enable her to flutter through the air like the angels and perchance visit God! Her desire to enjoy such a privilege became so intense that when the fruit was pressed to her lips she tasted it, and had no sooner done so than she soared upward, only to sink down and awaken at Adam’s touch!
About the Author:
Helene A. Guerber (1859-1929) was a British historian and author who brought literature and history to life. Other works include “The Story of the Greeks,” “Stories of Shakespeare’s Tragedies,” and “The Story of the Thirteen Colonies.”
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