Milton: Films

In 4 volumes (on VHS). "From Caedmon to Chaucer; the glories of the Elizabethan Golden Age; Donne, Milton, and Dryden; The Neoclassicists and the Romantics; the Victorians and the modern era. The story of English literature comes to life in this examination of the writers, their subjects and their settings."

"Patterned on Greek and Roman classics, yet achieving a voice of its own by defying the strict dictates of classical subject matter. Milton's epic poem is a masterpiece of monumental proportions. His diverse and often awesome use of language creates an effect as surreal and powerful as Dante's Inferno. This program features probing analysis by Professors Thomas Winnifirth, University of Warwick, and Robert Wilcher, University of Birmingham. Topics include Milton's creation of hell as one of the great imaginative accomplishments of literature. Also examined are the poem's anti-Catholic tone; the use of the Narcissus myth; the weak, headmaster-like characterization of God; Eve as the strong, archetypal woman; Satan as hero; and criticism of Milton as a misogynist. A brief biography of Milton highlights philosophical debates of the period."

In 16 volumes (on VHS). Volume 7 is dedicated exclusively to Milton.