From the author of the esteemed epic poem, Paradise Lost, comes one history-s most influential arguments against censorship. John Milton was known for his linguistic genius and political activity, often writing to support his views. During the height of the English Civil War, Milton published Areopagitica. Structured like an oral speech but delivered by pamphlets that Milton illegally printed and distributed, Areopagitica argues against censorship and advocates for the freedom of speech and expression. Published in 1644, Areopagitica is a direct response to the Licensing Order of 1643, opposing it so much that Milton defied the order to print his polemic. The Licensing Order of 1643 required authors to obtain a license from the British Parliament before their work could be published, which meant the government could control what was printed, and censor anything that went against the social norm or criticized their policies. Milton created an argument ag
