Interesting structure of biography- Moshenska's chapters situate Milton at a particular instant and proceed to telescope outwards, taking in that particular period of his life, the political and social context, the new advances in science, and speculates on how that might have influenced his work- the language he employed, the reasons for the musicality of Paradise Lost and the variety of instruments mentioned, even why in an epic with more than 200 named characters, both real and ficiotnal/mythological, Galileo's the only contemporary who gets a shout-out!. Like Philip Hoare or WG Sebald at their best (with a far more pointed focus, though), Moshenska weaves in his own opinions and feelings towards Milton and his works, and those are among the most insightful parts of the book. 17th Century ENgland is a period I find very interesting and given Milton's prominent role in advocating regicide and his efforts in Cromwell's subsequent government, this book is also a fascinating account of the period and its upheavals. I hadn't read Paradise Lost or Paradise Regained, and picked up this book only to read about the 17th Century, but his writing on these works is so evocative, that I also started reading Paradise Lost simultaneously, which made for a great reading experience-I could appreciate the epic a lot better, and it also enhanced my appreciation of what Moshenska was trying to illuminate about Milton's work. I would recommend doing that too-read this book and Paradise Lost at the same time, it makes for a deeply rewarding reading experience

I enjoyed reading this book. It is part biography of the poet John Milton and memoir of the way the author's life has been impacted by studying Milton. Each chapter begins with the author's imaginary event of Milton's life. He then explores what Milton was doing during the time, the current events, and how it influenced his writings. The author really expresses his joy in reading and discovering Milton. I also liked that he also writes about the difficulties of Milton. The book is a slow read but well written.

Intriguing subject, unusual delivery…

This was not the type of biography I am used to. A factual rendering of dates, facts, people. That I know. Interesting tidbits and thoughts by the author usually kept to a minimum, included to provide insight where things are muddled or unknown, perhaps. This riveting biography of John Milton, however, offered something different…

John Milton was a mesmerizing figure to start with. I knew he was a poet and Paradise Lost was required reading in high school. I admit it, I will need many more readings of that book (with commentary) to fully appreciate it. Here though, were the secrets of the author. What was happening at the time of his life, what influenced his life so greatly? It was all here, plus a lot of the author’s personal reflections and the impact the poet and his work had on his own life.

Containing a wealth of details, this read was dense and required thoughtful reading. Well worth it though.

I have never read or studied Milton, so can’t comment on the author’s claims in this wide-ranging and original approach to the great poet’s writing, but I certainly found it an enlightening and useful introduction to the work. It’s not a conventional cradle-to-grave biography, nor is it conventional literary analysis (although there is plenty of that) and nor is it strictly speaking a memoir (although again there’s plenty of that). A successful amalgam of all three. It partly fictionalises Milton’s life, but does so with sensitivity to the known facts and manages to make this long-dead poet come alive for the reader. Well, this reader anyway. The writing is accessible, and the author conveys wonderfully what reading Milton has meant to him personally. So yes, this is a personal approach, but all the more interesting for that. I learnt a lot from my reading, and should I ever feel brave enough to tackle Milton’s poetry, I will definitely be keeping this book by my side.

It’s been over forty years since I studied John Milton in an honors class at Temple University. While studying Milton, I bored people with all I was learning about him and his poetry. On the train ride home from Temple, I read his verse out loud; being a speed reader I had to slow myself down. I assure you, few people took the seat next to me!

I haven’t read his work since then, but for revisiting On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity every year. It was time to revisit Milton.

Joe Moshenska’s Making Darkness Light is more than a study of Milton’s life, time, and work. It is a personal exploration of the poet, the author’s struggle to understand why he has been obsessed with Milton for years. Moshenska traveled across London and Europe, following Milton’s trail, imagining how the places and people he met impacted his work. I have read several books like this recently, biographies that are personal, the authors writing about visiting where their subjects lived and traveled. It is a refreshing approach that I enjoy. As Moshenska demonstrates how Milton comes alive for him, he illuminates this complex man and poet for us.

Milton was a Nonconformist thinker, a Christian, and a man who supported republicanism and the murder of Charles I. He was a man who married unwisely and supported divorce, then married two more times. He was a scholar of great breadth, determined to become a poet by writing epic poems. He became blind and blamed his diet, and he met Galileo and was familiar with cutting edge scientific discoveries. He was anti-Catholic but made friends across Italy during his travels.

This is not an easy book, it requires attention and work, at least for someone like myself, whose scholarly days ended forty-three years ago. But I kept on, for it is a beautiful book, complex and rich.

I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.

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The subtitle for this book is “A Life of John Milton” and that seems to sum it up. But actually this biography is very different from the chronological norm - he was born, he did these things, he died. This book takes episodes from Milton’s life and spins them into history, biography, and sets them in context of a disruptive and difficult time in England’s past. We also learn about the author himself and his interactions with Milton - the legend and the man. I liked this concept. By understanding some of Mr Moshenka’s fascination I developed more of an interest myself.

I have visited Milton’s cottage and I have struggled with Paradise Lost and some of Milton’s obscure poetry but having the setting explained and enhanced makes the work easier to understand. The author develops a story of Milton’s birth by talking about a clock on the wall. He has no way of knowing if the Milton household had this clock, but the description gives a picture of a typical household and helps to lodge the period firmly in mind.

I found the book moving, and interesting, and well written and I enjoyed looking over the author’s shoulder as he explains the life and times of an interesting man who overcame huge obstacles and personal issues to become one of our greatest poets.

Recommended if you like poetry, literature, or biography and if you want to understand the times when killing a King seemed like a good idea.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review

The rare book that can be enjoyed equally by the Milton expert or the Milton neophyte. Incredible, interesting, new and insightful perspective and analysis of Milton’s life and work. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Milton and wants to learn more.