Publisher's Synopsis
Milton wrote his tract in condemnation of the English Parliament's Licensing Order of 1643. He was staunchly opposed to the idea of censorship for several reasons. In his pamphlet he lays out arguments against the law and concludes by demanding Parliament repeal it. Milton was ostracized and publicly reprimanded for publishing this document during a time when the government was extremely sensitive to criticism because of the constant wars with which the nation was engaged during that era. Despite the criticism and resulting legal trouble, Milton convinced the Puritans of his viewpoint as they later officially adopted his preachings upon censorship. Milton begins by historical comparison. He presents Greek and Roman societies, arguing that if they had been subjected to censorship their empires would have never gained the success which they did. In fact no authors were required to be licensed before publishing. Although their governments did punish some for what they'd written, it was only after they had their works published and criticized by the appropriate audience. Milton raises the point that censorship was first introduced by the Catholics during the Spanish Inquisition. It's origin is pure fear and oppression.
