If this is the first heroic poem you have read from this period you will probably find it hard going, but it is worth persevering with. In brief, this is a retelling of the classic Genesis story using the wonderfully expressive and immersive language of the time. I suspect this book would benefit from re-reading at least once as having to regularly resort to the extensive foot notes can break up the flow of the narrative. That said, even after the first read you can see why this was recognised as a classic from its first publication. The story starts with the expulsion of Satan from Heaven and the fall of his angelic hoard and ends with the fall of man and his expulsion from Paradise, but this is just a mechanism for the exploration of the pivotal idea; namely the double edged sword that is ambition.

This is Milton's epic retelling of the story of Creation and Mankind's fall from Paradise. Although it is a little hard work in places the prose is vivid and descriptive and carries the reader through very well. The dry wit and rhetoric of Satan is somewhat amusing (don't think Milton meant him to be that way though) and despite the best intentions I actually enjoyed his appearances. Yes this is an epic poem and an epic read but in my opinion it is well worth it.

I enjoyed this epic poem. Getting used to the style takes a little perseverence but once I got going, it was very good. The notes helped get me into the style and changed use of some language. The introduction (and its notes) also helped with the understanding. Anyone who reads a lot, should read this poem.