(1608–74)
one of the most famous of all English poets. He is best known for his great poem Paradise Lost , which he completed in 1667. This was based on the Old Testament story of the Garden of Eden, and its central character is Satan. It was followed by Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes , published together in 1671. His earlier works of poetry included L’Allegro and Il Penseroso (both 1631) and Lycidas (1638), and he also wrote political articles supporting Parliament against the king, and the freedom of the press.