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"The right we have to our owne bodies, goods, and liberties": The Freedom of the Ancient Constitution and Common Law in Milton's Early Prose.

  • Published In: Journal of the History of Ideas, 2024, v. 85, n. 1. P. 41 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Woodford, Benjamin 3 of 3

Abstract

Scholars have long recognized the importance of liberty in Milton's early prose, but they tend to center their analysis on republicanism. Although he would go on to express republicanism, Milton's early tracts tie liberty to English political and legal traditions rather than classical ones. Milton, in his early tracts, utilizes the language of the ancient constitution and the common law as he centers liberty on the property and bodies of English citizens, thus framing liberty in distinctly English terms. Additionally, Milton's early prose accepts the power of the monarch, revealing Milton's initial commitment to the existing political structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of the History of Ideas. 2024/01, Vol. 85, Issue 1, p41
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0022-5037
  • DOI:10.1353/jhi.2024.a917115
  • Accession Number:174880159
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of the History of Ideas is the property of University of Pennsylvania Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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