What in Me Is Dark
The Revolutionary Afterlife of Paradise Lost
by Orlando Reade
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Pub Date Dec 10 2024 | Archive Date Dec 03 2024
Astra Publishing House | Astra House
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Description
What in Me Is Dark tells the unlikely story of how Milton’s epic poem came to haunt political struggles over the past four centuries, including the many different, unexpected, often contradictory ways in which it has been read, interpreted, and appropriated through time and across the world, and to revolutionary ends. The book focuses on twelve readers—including Malcolm X, Thomas Jefferson, George Eliot, Hannah Arendt, and C.L.R James—whose lives demonstrate extraordinary and disturbing influence on the modern age.
Drawing from his own experiences teaching Paradise Lost in New Jersey prisons, English scholar Orlando Reade deftly investigates how the poem was read by people embedded in struggles against tyranny, slavery, colonialism, gender inequality, and capitalist exploitation. It is experimental nonfiction at its finest; rich literary analysis and social, cultural and political history are woven together to make a clarifying case for the undeniable impact of the poem.
Marketing Plan
MARKETING AND PUBLICITY PLANS • Cover reveal on Astra House social media • National media campaign including print, radio, podcasts, and online coverage • Pitch for feature stories, interviews, and profiles in major publications • Robust awards campaign • Targeted outreach to publications focused on literary classics, criticism, biographies, history, and radical politics • Academic outreach to English literature programs • Outreach to indie booksellers,
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781662602795 |
| PRICE | $28.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 288 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Mackenzie F, Reviewer
I received an e-ARC of this book for review. TLDR; I loved it and will be getting my own copy when it hits the bookstore.
What in Me Is Dark enlivened the literature student in me. Both accessible and informative, this book takes a look at not just the political life of Paradise Lost, but also in the larger scope, at the way literature isn't just a thing we create, but something that actively creates us as well. From Milton's own role in political upheaval to Malcolm X, Paradise Lost has shaped history more significantly than I previously thought.
The most impactful part of this book to me were the conversations and observations from those who read Paradise Lost while incarcerated. The very first glimpse we get at Reade's time teaching in prison offers an incredible insight into the rhythm of Paradise Lost, and it genuinely took my breath away. In fact, my only real complaint with this book is that we didn't get to hear more from these folks. I'd read another 200+ pages sitting in on these classes.
Literature as a tool for change is one of my areas of passionate interest, and this book fed that interest well. I will be pre-ordering my own copy and reading it again when it's released.
Tiffannie B, Reviewer
"What in Me Is Dark" truly reignited my passion for literature. This book not only delves into the political landscape of Paradise Lost, but it also explores how literature shapes our lives as much as we shape it. It’s fascinating to see how Milton’s work influenced political turmoil, and how Paradise Lost has played a surprisingly significant role in history.
What really struck a chord with me were the insights from those who read Paradise Lost while incarcerated. The initial look into Reade’s experiences teaching in prison was nothing short of breathtaking. The way the book captures the rhythm and impact of Paradise Lost through these personal stories is incredible. If there’s one downside, it’s that I wanted even more of these powerful reflections. I'd happily read another 200 pages of these prison classroom discussions!
