Paradise lost, books 11-12

This volume surveys all important and influential line-by-line commentary published between 1667 and 1970 on impressive conclusion to Paradise Lost in books 11-12. In these last two books, has taken account of biblical history known to all his contemporaries and rendered it fresh by having archangel Michael relate it to in ways only partly suggested by original text. In a series of visions in book 11, Michael shows results of his disobedience, and by a narration in book 12 promise and revelation of the greater Man promised at epic's beginning (1.5). Adam and Eve move from repentant sorrow to invigorated hope, with world before them and guided by Providence. The biblical influences on these last two books would have been instantly recognisable to Milton's original audience, but helpful notes in this volume identify biblical references and other theological matters for modern audiences. Similarly, Milton's classical references to Homer, Virgil, Horace, Ovid, Seneca, and others are located and explained, along with Milton's use of patristic, medieval, and early modern authors as well as later authors' use of Milton. This volume will challenge longstanding idea that last two books of Paradise Lost are in any way inferior to rest of epic or unrelated to it. Besides helpful introduction that traces arguments over value of last books, commentary to books 11 and 12 also demonstrates how many important and influential arguments about epic are tied into these books. Successfully synthesising a huge mass of scholarship, Lares presents complex ideas clearly and succinctly. Begun by Columbia University Press in early 1970s, A Variorum Commentary on Poems of John Milton presented three volumes. Now under auspices of Duquesne University Press, an award-winning volume was published in 2009 on Samson Agonistes and first volume on Paradise Lost in 2011. This volume by Jameela Lares represents continuation of project, with future volumes planned on remaining books of Paradise Lost and Milton's English prosody as well.