Overview

C. S. Lewis’s illuminating reflections on Milton’s Paradise Lost, the seminal classic that profoundly influenced Christian thought as well as Lewis’s own. In Preface to Paradise Lost, the Christian apologist and revered scholar and professor of literature closely examines the style, content, structure, and themes of Milton’s masterpiece, a retelling of the biblical story of the Fall of Humankind, Satan’s temptation, and the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. Considering the story within the context of the Western literary tradition, Lewis offers invaluable insights into Paradise Lost and the nature of literature itself, unveiling the poem’s beauty and its wisdom. Lewis explains and defends the literary form known as “Epic,” pondering simple yet perceptive questions such as: What is an Epic Why, in the seventeenth century, did Milton choose to write his story in this style In what sense is Paradise Lost similar to the Homeric poems or the Anglo Saxon Beowulf In what sense did Milton develop Virgil’s legacy  With the clarity of thought and style that are the hallmarks of his writing, Lewis provides answers with a lucidity and lightness that deepens our understanding of this literary form and both illuminates Milton’s immortal epic and its meaning and inspires readers to revisit it. Ultimately, he reminds us why elements including ritual, splendor, and joy deserve to exist and hold a sacred place in human life.  One of Lewis’s most revered scholarly works, Preface to Paradise Lost is indispensable for literature, philosophy, and religion scholars and for ardent fans of Lewis’s writings. 

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A 'must' item for all readers of Milton and for all readers of literature and of life . . . Lewis's most valiant service is to protect us against the many students of Milton who have not been able to see the woods for the trees. -- The New York Times The book is one of very great moment indeed, and is, in fact, much more than an essay on Milton. -- The Tablet Lewis, more than any other critic now writing, adds wit, learning and enthusiasm to that ability to discuss rather than destroy, which is the prerequisite of the critic's true function. -- The Dublin Review An indictment of our critical premises and methods of reading. Indeed it is a tract for our times. -- Time and Tide His emphasis on tradition leads Mr. Lewis to a preliminary consideration of epic poetry in general, which is both fresh and sound. But his most valiant service is to protect us against the many students of Milton who have not been able to see the woods for the trees. -- Edward Wagenknecht, The New York Times An essential work in understanding both the literary approach of C.S. Lewis and the theological assumptions of Paradise Lost. Unparalleled in its conciseness. -- I.S. Maclean, James Madison University Still the most lucid, useful, entertaining introduction to Milton's poem anyone has contrived to write. Traditional literary criticism at its best. -- Lance E. Wilcox, Elmhurst College

Still the most lucid, useful, entertaining introduction to Milton's poem anyone has contrived to write. Traditional literary criticism at its best.--Lance E. Wilcox, Elmhurst College An essential work in understanding both the literary approach of C.S. Lewis and the theological assumptions of Paradise Lost. Unparalleled in its conciseness.--I.S. Maclean, James Madison University His emphasis on tradition leads Mr. Lewis to a preliminary consideration of epic poetry in general, which is both fresh and sound. But his most valiant service is to protect us against the many students of Milton who have not been able to see the woods for the trees.--Edward Wagenknecht, The New York Times

Still the most lucid, useful, entertaining introduction to Milton's poem anyone has contrived to write. Traditional literary criticism at its best.--Lance E. Wilcox, Elmhurst College An indictment of our critical premises and methods of reading. Indeed it is a tract for our times. --Time and Tide Lewis, more than any other critic now writing, adds wit, learning and enthusiasm to that ability to discuss rather than destroy, which is the prerequisite of the critic's true function. --The Dublin Review The book is one of very great moment indeed, and is, in fact, much more than an essay on Milton. --The Tablet A 'must' item for all readers of Milton and for all readers of literature and of life . . . Lewis's most valiant service is to protect us against the many students of Milton who have not been able to see the woods for the trees.--The New York Times An essential work in understanding both the literary approach of C.S. Lewis and the theological assumptions of Paradise Lost. Unparalleled in its conciseness.--I.S. Maclean, James Madison University His emphasis on tradition leads Mr. Lewis to a preliminary consideration of epic poetry in general, which is both fresh and sound. But his most valiant service is to protect us against the many students of Milton who have not been able to see the woods for the trees.--Edward Wagenknecht, The New York Times

Author Information

Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English literature at Oxford University until 1954 when he was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance English at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement.

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