III.The 17th Century John Milton (1608-74): The literary giant of the 17th century,his major works including Paradise Lost,Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes. Paradise Lost is an n epic poem in black verse, arranged in twelve books, considered by critics to be Milton's major work,and solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest English poets of his time. III. The 17th Century • John Milton (1608-74): The literary giant of the 17th century, his major works including Paradise Lost，Paradise Regained , and Samson Agonistes. Paradise Lost is an n epic poem in black verse, arranged in twelve books, considered by critics to be Milton’s major work, and solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest English poets of his time