Macaulay's Essay on Milton, as edited and annotated by H.B. Cotterill and published by Macmillan in 1919, is a critical study of Thomas Babington Macaulay’s renowned essay on John Milton, the English poet and political thinker. Cotterill’s edition enriches Macaulay’s original with notes, abstracts, and chronological summaries, making it accessible for students and general readers. The essay itself, first published in 1825, is a spirited defense and analysis of Milton’s poetry, political actions, and moral character, set against the backdrop of the English Civil War and the Restoration.Cotterill’s contribution is not a reinterpretation but an educational enhancement, providing historical context, clarifying references, and guiding readers through Macaulay’s arguments. The book is structured to introduce readers to Milton’s life and work, Macaulay’s critical method, and the broader historical and literary currents of 17th-century England.

Cotterill’s edition of Macaulay's Essay on Milton has enduring value as both a work of literary criticism and a pedagogical tool. It serves several important functions:Educational Resource: The notes and summaries make Macaulay’s sometimes dense prose and allusive style accessible to students, helping them grasp the historical, literary, and philosophical references.Model of Critical Writing: Macaulay’s essay is a classic of English prose, admired for its rhetorical vigor and clarity. Cotterill’s edition highlights these qualities and encourages readers to appreciate the art of criticism itself.Historical Document: The book is a window into 19th-century attitudes toward Milton, the English Revolution, and the development of liberal thought. It reflects the Victorian fascination with moral character and the power of literature to shape society.

1. The Greatness of Milton as Poet and Man Macaulay, through Cotterill’s annotated lens, presents Milton as a unique figure whose poetic genius is matched by his moral and intellectual stature. Milton’s works, especially Paradise Lost, are lauded for their sublimity and imaginative power. Macaulay argues that Milton’s poetry is inseparable from his character: his independence, integrity, and commitment to liberty are reflected in his verse.2. The Relationship Between Poetry and Politics A central theme is the intersection of Milton’s literary and political lives. Macaulay contends that Milton’s political writings and his support for the Parliamentary cause during the English Civil War stem from the same ideals that animate his poetry. The essay examines the justification of Milton’s alignment with the Puritans and his defense of regicide, framing these actions as consistent with a broader struggle for liberty.3. The Nature of Literary Criticism Macaulay’s approach is both biographical and evaluative. He insists that understanding Milton’s poetry requires an appreciation of his historical context and personal convictions. The essay is also a meditation on the aims and limits of literary criticism, emphasizing the importance of enthusiasm and imagination in both creation and appreciation of art.4. The Value of Liberty and the Role of the Individual Macaulay’s essay, as presented by Cotterill, is a passionate defense of individual liberty and conscience. Milton is celebrated as a champion of republican ideals and freedom of expression, with Macaulay drawing explicit parallels between the English Civil War and later struggles for constitutional government.

1. Shaping Milton’s Reputation Macaulay’s essay, widely read in schools and universities (especially in Cotterill’s annotated form), played a major role in cementing Milton’s status as a national poet and moral exemplar. The essay’s influence extended beyond literary circles, contributing to the Victorian cult of great men and the idea of literature as a vehicle for moral and political education.2. Reflection of Victorian Values The essay and its annotated editions mirror the values of Victorian England: belief in progress, admiration for individual heroism, and faith in the power of reasoned argument. It also illustrates the era’s engagement with questions of authority, liberty, and the responsibilities of intellectuals in society.3. Educational Canon Cotterill’s edition became a staple in English education, shaping generations of readers’ understanding of both Milton and the art of literary criticism. Its widespread use in schools and colleges contributed to a shared cultural literacy and a tradition of close reading and historical contextualization.

1. Influence on Political Thought By defending Milton’s republicanism and justifying the English Revolution, Macaulay’s essay (and Cotterill’s edition) reinforced liberal and constitutionalist ideas in Britain. It provided intellectual ammunition for those advocating for reform and civil liberties in the 19th and early 20th centuries.2. Shaping Literary Taste The essay helped establish a canon of English literature centered on figures like Milton, Shakespeare, and Wordsworth. It encouraged a view of literature as both an artistic and a moral enterprise, influencing curricula and public discourse.3. Broader Social Impact By popularizing the idea that literature and history are intertwined, and that great writers are also great citizens, the book contributed to a civic ideal of education. It fostered a sense of national identity rooted in shared literary heritage and political values.

Macaulay's Essay on Milton, as edited by H.B. Cotterill, stands as a landmark in English literary criticism and education. It offers a compelling portrait of Milton as both poet and patriot, and a model of how literature can engage with the pressing moral and political issues of its time. Cotterill’s notes and summaries amplify Macaulay’s arguments, making them accessible and relevant for new generations of readers.The book’s importance lies not only in its analysis of Milton but in its broader vision of literature as a force for liberty, moral development, and social progress. Its cultural significance endures in the way it shaped educational practice, literary taste, and political thought in Britain and beyond. Ultimately, Cotterill’s edition of Macaulay’s essay is a testament to the enduring power of great criticism to illuminate both the past and the present.