Macaulay Essays on Milton and Addison Baron Thomas Babington Macaula Macaulay 9781141072903 Books
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Macaulay Essays on Milton and Addison Baron Thomas Babington Macaula Macaulay 9781141072903 Books
“Milton lived at one most memorable eras in the history of mankind, at the very crisis of the great conflict between liberty and despotism, reason and prejudice. That great battle was fought for no single generation, for no single land.’’ (31)Why ‘no single country’?
“The destinies of the human race were staked on the same cast with the freedom of the English people. Then were first proclaimed those mighty principles which have since worked their way into the depths of the American forests . . . and kindled an unquenchable fire in the hearts of the oppressed.’’ (31)
Is this arrogant overconfidence or reasoned conclusion from evidence?
We live trusting in the importance of free speech, uncensored press, and individual convictions. However, do we recognize, do we feel indebted to Milton who fought, wrote and suffered for these liberties, when freedom was unknown, even hated?
Well . . . Macaulay’s short essay (63 pages) presents history of England that influenced Milton . . . and the future England (world) Milton influenced.
“The glory of the battle which he fought for the species of freedom which is the most valuable, and which was then the least understood, the freedom of the human mind, is all his own. Thousands and tens of thousands among his contemporaries raised their voices against ship-money and the star chamber.’’
Clearly unjust, unfair. What could be worse?
“But there were few indeed who discerned the more fearful evils of moral and intellectual slavery, and the benefits which would result from liberty of the press and the unfettered exercise of private judgment.’’ (58)
What a tribute!
Danger of ‘moral and intellectual slavery’. Where is Milton when we need him?
“His attacks were, in general, directed less against particular abuses than against those deeply seated errors on which almost all abuses are founded, the servile worship of eminent men and the irrational dread of innovation.’’ (60)
‘Servile worship of the famous’. How did he know?
Macaulay summarizes Milton’s recently discovered work on Christian doctrine . . .
“Throughout the volume are discernible the traces of a powerful and independent mind, emancipated from the influence of authority, and devoted to the search for truth. Some of his heterodox doctrines which he avows seemed to have excited considerable amazement, particularly his Arianism, and his theory on the subject of polygamy.’’ (3)
Arianism represents the complete rejection of the doctrine of the trinity. Christ is God’s son, ‘the firstborn of all creation’. Milton is joined by other famous bible students, who reached the same conclusion. Includes Micheal Servetus, Isaac Newton, William Wiston, John Locke and Joseph Priestley.
Macaulay includes way more analysis than Milton’s biography. Covers Cromwell’s influence, Puritan character and impact, glorious revolution, restoration, etc., etc..
For example, commenting on the return of Charles, and monarchy, after Cromwell’s death . . .
“The days of servitude without loyalty Ans sensuality without love, of dwarfish talents and gigantic vices, the Paradise of cold hearts and narrow minds, the golden age of the coward, the bigot, and the slave. . . . The government had just ability enough to deceive, and religion enough to persecute. . . . In every high place, worship was to Charles and James, Belial and Moloch; and England propitiated those obscene and cruel idols with the blood of her best and bravest children.’’ (49)
Wow! No wonder Smith wants to teach students to learn from Macaulay!
Writing more as explanation of how and why England developed into the liberal, open society that Macaulay was proud to defend. Sounds odd, even irritating, to the modern ear. Nevertheless, I don’t think Macaulay’s understanding can be dismissed out of hand.
Macaulay is erudite, thoughtful and evenhanded. He might wrong, but not ignorant or foolish.
One interesting (fascinating) section was Macaulay’s comparison of Milton and Dante.
Great!
This edition (1898) was edited with notes and introduction by Herbert Augustine Smith. This work was intended as a textbook for university students. Smith writes in the introduction . . .
“It is astonishing how many men live for four years within college walls and receive their degrees at the end who have never learned to think for themselves, and how little it is true that the college atmosphere is necessarily a thoughtful atmosphere.’’ (xii)
Really? This is 1898? Wow!
Why?
“Opinions are too often the result of environment, of inherited principles and prejudices, credulously accepted and blindly defended. Many men are afraid to think; it is uncomfortable business, and leads no one knows where whither; better rest satisfied with the opinions and principles and beliefs of other good respectable people; otherwise you will probably become a crank.’’ (xii)
Astonishing that this ‘fear of thinking’ surfaces more than a century ago. Still here.
Smith includes eight pages on the ‘Life of Macaulay’. Why?
“It is not strange that such a man should have been one of the most forcible writers that ever held a pen. The boy or girl who studies Macaulay’s style is taking a composition tonic.’’
I found Macaulay easy reading. However, his allusions to Greek history, Roman gods, etc., etc., usually lost me.
Well . . . that’s how you learn.
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Macaulay Essays on Milton and Addison Baron Thomas Babington Macaula Macaulay 9781141072903 Books Reviews
Macaulay's father was a philanthropist. He read from age three. He took pleasure in conversation. His first literary success was an essay on Milton, 1825. He was appointed a member of the Supreme Council of India.
Joseph Addison resided at Magdalen College, Oxford for ten years. He was elected a fellow. His serious attention was concentrated on Latin Poetry. His classical knowledge was confined within narrow limits. Addison imitated Virgil with skill. He was probably introduced by Dryden to Congreve.
In 1700 Addison was in France and subsequently in Genoa. Addison was not mean, he was not cowardly. He wrote with a delicate and humane sense of humor. He was in Parliament for nine years. His influence was the result of his literary talents. Addison did not speak in the chamber.
Steele had known Addison from childhood. The best writing in THE TATLER was the handiwork of Addison. In 1711 THE SPECTATOR was conceived by Addison. Steele sketched the two friends. About three-sevenths of the work was done by Addison. At the close of 1712 THE SPECTATOR ceased to appear. Swift showed respect and tenderness for Addison.
Milton is best known by his poetry. He admired Euripides. The only poem of modern times PARADISE LOST can be compared to is THE DIVINE COMEDY. THE DIVINE COMEDY is a personal narrative. Milton wrote in an age of philosophers and theologians. Milton's fiends are wonderful creations. Dante had intensity of feeling, Milton loftiness of spirit. The strength of Milton's mind overcame every calamity.
Macaulay has an admirably compressed style. His focus is on character and personality in regard to his subjects.
“Milton lived at one most memorable eras in the history of mankind, at the very crisis of the great conflict between liberty and despotism, reason and prejudice. That great battle was fought for no single generation, for no single land.’’ (31)
Why ‘no single country’?
“The destinies of the human race were staked on the same cast with the freedom of the English people. Then were first proclaimed those mighty principles which have since worked their way into the depths of the American forests . . . and kindled an unquenchable fire in the hearts of the oppressed.’’ (31)
Is this arrogant overconfidence or reasoned conclusion from evidence?
We live trusting in the importance of free speech, uncensored press, and individual convictions. However, do we recognize, do we feel indebted to Milton who fought, wrote and suffered for these liberties, when freedom was unknown, even hated?
Well . . . Macaulay’s short essay (63 pages) presents history of England that influenced Milton . . . and the future England (world) Milton influenced.
“The glory of the battle which he fought for the species of freedom which is the most valuable, and which was then the least understood, the freedom of the human mind, is all his own. Thousands and tens of thousands among his contemporaries raised their voices against ship-money and the star chamber.’’
Clearly unjust, unfair. What could be worse?
“But there were few indeed who discerned the more fearful evils of moral and intellectual slavery, and the benefits which would result from liberty of the press and the unfettered exercise of private judgment.’’ (58)
What a tribute!
Danger of ‘moral and intellectual slavery’. Where is Milton when we need him?
“His attacks were, in general, directed less against particular abuses than against those deeply seated errors on which almost all abuses are founded, the servile worship of eminent men and the irrational dread of innovation.’’ (60)
‘Servile worship of the famous’. How did he know?
Macaulay summarizes Milton’s recently discovered work on Christian doctrine . . .
“Throughout the volume are discernible the traces of a powerful and independent mind, emancipated from the influence of authority, and devoted to the search for truth. Some of his heterodox doctrines which he avows seemed to have excited considerable amazement, particularly his Arianism, and his theory on the subject of polygamy.’’ (3)
Arianism represents the complete rejection of the doctrine of the trinity. Christ is God’s son, ‘the firstborn of all creation’. Milton is joined by other famous bible students, who reached the same conclusion. Includes Micheal Servetus, Isaac Newton, William Wiston, John Locke and Joseph Priestley.
Macaulay includes way more analysis than Milton’s biography. Covers Cromwell’s influence, Puritan character and impact, glorious revolution, restoration, etc., etc..
For example, commenting on the return of Charles, and monarchy, after Cromwell’s death . . .
“The days of servitude without loyalty Ans sensuality without love, of dwarfish talents and gigantic vices, the Paradise of cold hearts and narrow minds, the golden age of the coward, the bigot, and the slave. . . . The government had just ability enough to deceive, and religion enough to persecute. . . . In every high place, worship was to Charles and James, Belial and Moloch; and England propitiated those obscene and cruel idols with the blood of her best and bravest children.’’ (49)
Wow! No wonder Smith wants to teach students to learn from Macaulay!
Writing more as explanation of how and why England developed into the liberal, open society that Macaulay was proud to defend. Sounds odd, even irritating, to the modern ear. Nevertheless, I don’t think Macaulay’s understanding can be dismissed out of hand.
Macaulay is erudite, thoughtful and evenhanded. He might wrong, but not ignorant or foolish.
One interesting (fascinating) section was Macaulay’s comparison of Milton and Dante.
Great!
This edition (1898) was edited with notes and introduction by Herbert Augustine Smith. This work was intended as a textbook for university students. Smith writes in the introduction . . .
“It is astonishing how many men live for four years within college walls and receive their degrees at the end who have never learned to think for themselves, and how little it is true that the college atmosphere is necessarily a thoughtful atmosphere.’’ (xii)
Really? This is 1898? Wow!
Why?
“Opinions are too often the result of environment, of inherited principles and prejudices, credulously accepted and blindly defended. Many men are afraid to think; it is uncomfortable business, and leads no one knows where whither; better rest satisfied with the opinions and principles and beliefs of other good respectable people; otherwise you will probably become a crank.’’ (xii)
Astonishing that this ‘fear of thinking’ surfaces more than a century ago. Still here.
Smith includes eight pages on the ‘Life of Macaulay’. Why?
“It is not strange that such a man should have been one of the most forcible writers that ever held a pen. The boy or girl who studies Macaulay’s style is taking a composition tonic.’’
I found Macaulay easy reading. However, his allusions to Greek history, Roman gods, etc., etc., usually lost me.
Well . . . that’s how you learn.
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