Paradise Lost has excited and provoked poets and critics for over 300 years. This introduction provides an accessible route into Milton's influential epic poem, guiding students through each of the twelve books by a combination of close textual analysis and summary of key themes and techniques. Without assuming prior knowledge, Nutt helps navigate the book's biblical and classical background and its relationship to seventeenth-century history. Focusing on developing the reading skills needed to approach this important and complex poem independently, A Guide to Paradise Lost is essential reading for all students of Milton.

JOE NUTT is Lead Consultant at CfBT Education Trust, and previously taught English at the City of London School, UK.

Paradise Lost has excited and provoked poets and critics for over 300 years. This introduction provides an accessible route into Milton's influential epic poem, guiding students through each of the twelve books by a combination of close textual analysis and summary of key themes and techniques.

Without assuming prior knowledge, Nutt helps navigate the book's biblical and classical background and its relationship to seventeenth-century history. Focusing on developing the reading skills needed to approach this important and complex poem independently, A Guide to Paradise Lost is essential reading for all students of Milton.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Milton and his England: The Historical and Biographical Context of Paradise Lost
Religious Mythology
Epic Voyage
Redemption and Free Will
Paradise Perturbed
Wilful Transgression
War in Heaven
Genesis
Divine Love and Love Divine
Wiles and Wilfulness
Crime and Punishment
Loss of Paradise
Banishment and Hope
Further Activities and Reading.