"With this pioneering book, John T. Shawcross debunks a common assumption about what we see in Milton's work: that Milton's views remained unchanged over time. Shawcross systematically analyzes this belief in light of Milton's vocation, social life, politics, and religion, and presents us with a Milton who, indeed, changes his mind." "Shawcross's presentation of a Milton whose thought does actually develop and change - albeit with an unbending belief that faith and God supervene - is an essential contribution to Milton scholarship. In addition to its relevance to Milton scholars, the text will be of interest to cultural and church historians, theologians, and students of the seventeenth century."--BOOK JACKET.