John Milton (1608-1674) was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant for the Commonwealth of England. He is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost, which is considered one of the greatest works of literature in the English language. Milton was a highly educated man, having studied at both Cambridge and Oxford universities. He was a staunch defender of civil and religious liberty, and his works often reflect his strong Puritan beliefs. Milton was also a prolific writer, producing a wide range of works including sonnets, pamphlets, and political tracts. His influence on English literature is immense, and his works continue to be studied and admired to this day.