Fleshly Tabernacles: Milton and the Incarnational Poetics of Revolutionary England

Delve into the revolutionary intellectual landscape of 17th-century England with Bryan Adams Hampton's *Fleshly Tabernacles: Milton and the Incarnational Poetics of Revolutionary England*. This groundbreaking work, published by the University of Notre Dame Press, offers a fresh and compelling perspective on John Milton's theological and political imagination, placing it squarely within the context of the radical religious and political movements that defined the era. Hampton meticulously explores how the concept of the IncarnationGod made fleshbecame a potent force, shaping not only Milton's literary creations but also the anticlerical sentiments, hermeneutical approaches, and political convictions of various nonconformist sects. *Fleshly Tabernacles* goes beyond a traditional literary analysis of Milton, offering a deep dive into the vibrant Christologies that fueled the English Civil War and Interregnum. Hampton masterfully connects Milton's theological concerns with the beliefs of radical groups such as the Ranters, Seekers, Diggers, Quakers, and Fifth Monarchists. He reveals how these groups interpreted the Incarnation not merely as a historical event but as an ongoing, transformative process within the individual believer, turning the faithful into "fleshly tabernacles" of the Divine. Hampton argues persuasively that Milton's heterodox, perfectionist leanings resonated with figures like John Everard (the Independent preacher), Gerrard Winstanley (leader of the Diggers), and James Nayler (a prominent Quaker). The book intricately demonstrates how the idea of the incarnated Christ fueled revolutionary fervor, inspiring the belief that regenerated individuals could rebuild both the church and the state. Drawing on a rich tapestry of historical and postmodern theology, philosophical hermeneutics, theological aesthetics, and literary theory, Hampton provides a nuanced and insightful analysis that will appeal to scholars and students of Milton, 17th-century English history, religious studies, and literary criticism. This First Edition paperback edition offers a comprehensive exploration of Milton's works, including his 1645 *Poems*, examining how the Incarnation profoundly influenced their structure and themes. The book also investigates Milton's reflections on the role of the pulpit, the function of speech and language, and his interpretations of both sacred and secular texts. *Fleshly Tabernacles* is not just a study of Milton; it is a window into a period of intense intellectual and spiritual ferment, a time when radical ideas about God, humanity, and society were being debated and enacted with passionate conviction. Hampton's work offers a crucial understanding of how these ideas shaped one of England's greatest poets and the revolutionary era in which he lived. Whether you're fascinated by Milton's theological complexity, the radical politics of the English Civil War, or the history of religious dissent, *Fleshly Tabernacles* offers a thought-provoking and enlightening read. Discover how the concept of the Incarnation sparked a revolution of thought and action in 17th-century England, and how Milton's poetry became a powerful expression of these transformative ideas. This book offers a profound understanding of the period where spirituality, revolution and literature intertwine.