In this annual volume on Milton scholarship and criticism, Knoppers (English, Pennsylvania State U.) introduces essays on Milton's politics, theology, ways of influencing his readers, and his reading and writing practices. By comparing Milton's early devotional lyrics with those of other 17th century Cambridge poets, the ascription of a Laudian idiom to him adds to the debate on how radical the young Milton might have been. Among the insights offered are the historical context of Satan's characterization, and theological satire in Paradise Lost; Milton's animist materialism; his departure from Aristotle's Poetics in Samson Agonistes; the significance of his lost theological commonplace book for his reading and writing practices; and time structures in his epic. Annotation 2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
