Both the prose and poetry of John Milton (1608-1674) are replete with references, allusions and digressions on oriental topics. Yet, this profusion of detail has received no systematic examination. Thus, this thesis examines the ways that the Milton depicts "the Orient." In doing so, it offers a reconsideration of the methodologies used by western scholars to analyse literary investigations of non-western peoples and places. Notably, it endeavours to outline how we can examine the Orient in literature without resorting to the paradigms of "Orientalism," as delineated by Edward Said (1935-2003). This thesis notes how all these avenues of enqury lead to a single conclusion: Milton's abiding sentiments about "the Orient" were the fear of assault by a superior force and the dread of contamination by all that he considered alien.