John Milton, one of the most significant figures in English literature, was born on December 9, 1608, in London, England. He was the son of a composer and a well-educated mother, which provided Milton with a rich intellectual environment from an early age. His early life was marked by a rigorous education; he attended St. Paul's School and later Christ's College, Cambridge, where he excelled in classical languages and literature.

Milton’s literary career began to flourish in the 1630s. He initially wrote poetry and essays, but his most notable works emerged during the tumultuous political climate of the English Civil War. His early poems, such as "L'Allegro" and "Il Penseroso," showcased his mastery of form and his deep engagement with themes of nature and human experience. However, it was his epic poem "Paradise Lost," published in 1667, that solidified his reputation as one of the greatest poets in the English language. This monumental work reflects his profound theological and philosophical concerns, exploring themes of free will, redemption, and the nature of good and evil.

Milton's personal life was as complex as his literary one. He married three times, with his marriages reflecting both personal and social upheavals of the time. His later years were marked by the loss of his eyesight, but he continued to write, dictating his works to his daughters. John Milton died on November 8, 1674, in London. His legacy is profound, influencing countless writers and thinkers, and his works remain a cornerstone of English literature, celebrated for their rich language and deep moral and philosophical insights.