In his wide-ranging book “The Fallen Angels on the Wing,” Orlando Reade explores the tumultuous history of John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost” and its impact on various ideologies and movements throughout history. Reade’s clever and sardonic writing style, immersed in Miltonic poetry, highlights the ways in which the poem has been interpreted and repurposed over time. He delves into controversial topics such as slavery, tracing how Milton’s themes of enslavement have resonated with different authors and activists. Through a combination of storytelling and analysis, Reade unravels the complex web of influences surrounding Milton’s revolutionary work, shedding light on the darker aspects of its reception and reinterpretation.
https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/book-of-the-day/2024/11/political-afterlife-paradise-lost-milton-orlando-reade-review