Review by Choice Review
Hammond (Univ. of Leeds, UK) succeeds wonderfully in achieving his stated goal, which is "to explore the specific meanings which Milton develops around key words in Paradise Lost." Most of the 30 essays examine terms that relate to the theology and subject matter of Paradise Lost, for example, art, evil, free, God, and grace. In one essay the author considers Milton's use of rhetorical questions in the dialogue of Paradise Lost and in others he analyzes, in addition to the above, simple words that Milton uses with special nuance, including if and not, and the prefixes self and re. Each essay stands on its own and can be read independently of the others, but taken together, they provide welcome insight into the theological, ideological, and literary contexts reflected in Milton's language and into the subtleties of his poetic diction. Hammond's writing is clear, and his nuanced readings will be accessible to nonspecialists as well as Milton scholars. Including copious footnotes and an extensive bibliography, this book is required reading. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. --Bruce E. Brandt, emeritus, South Dakota State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
