A Variorum Commentary on the Poems of John Milton: “Samson Agonistes”
Critical opinions about Milton’s Samson Agonistes have changed radically over the past three centuries. This volume distills in one place all the significant contributions to understanding Milton’s dramatic poem that were published between 1671 and 1970. Beginning with a detailed introduction by Archie Burnett that examines critics’ contrasting views of the poem’s most prominent features and themes, the book then comprises a series of both brief annotations for individual lines and longer essays for key passages and scenes. Stephen B. Dobranski’s rich, nuanced commentary does not just survey earlier interpretations of Samson Agonistes; it offers a comprehensive, historical overview of how this immense critical context has gradually evolved. Engaging with hundreds of obscure and out-of-print articles, editions, monographs, and notes, this book will also prove an indispensable reference tool for readers interested in the poem’s biblical, classical, and contemporary source texts.
Winner of the John T. Shawcross Award, given by the Milton Society of America for a distinguished reference work (2011)
Praise for A Varorium Commentary on the Poems of John Milton: “Samson Agonistes”:
“a major milestone in Milton studies . . . a work of superb scholarship . . . an indispensable resource for every academic library. It has deeply enhanced my understanding of Samson and has significantly aided my own scholarly work on Milton’s drama.”
David V. Urban, The Review of English Studies
“Stephen Dobranski has executed the formidable task to compiling organizing, and framing annotations with remarkable precision and care . . . The scholarship in this volume is meticulous and exemplary in every respect.”
Laura Knoppers, Milton Quarterly