CAMBRIDGE, England, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Rare documents written by famed poet John Milton will soon go on display at the Cambridge University Library in Britain.
The literary works, some of which have never been seen by the public, have been labeled "priceless" by a library spokesman, The Independent on Sunday reported, and should offer a rare glimpse into Milton's creative mind.
The library is unveiling "Living at this Hour: John Milton 1608-2008" Tuesday to mark the 400th anniversary of the birth of the creator of the epic poem "Paradise Lost."
Among the rare items set to be revealed is one of the writer's initial attempts to create "Paradise." Also reportedly included are the makings of a possible five-act play.
Christ's College fellow Dr. Gavin Alexander told the British newspaper that without Milton's influence, countless entertainment treasures would possibly never have been created.
"His writing took epic realms like fantasy, romance and science fiction and combined them with ideas about politics, morality and human nature on a huge cosmic scale nobody had really seen before," Alexander said. "Without him, it is possible we would never have heard of 'The Lord of the Rings,' 'Star Trek' or 'The Matrix.'"
