Why Milton matters : a new preface to his writings /

This is the first comprehensive postmodern introduction to Milton and, as such, it reconfigures the landscape of Milton studies for the foreseeable future. In one of the book's central sections Wittreich (Graduate Center, CUNY) reexamines Milton's "presence" in his works (both prose and poetry)--an autobiographical self glimpsed behind or through the speakers. By pursuing psychological analysis, the author reinvents Milton as a kaleidoscopic presence whose image and identity adjust to the circumstances of composition, evolving self-perception, and proposed audiences of various works. Especially important is Wittreich's emphasis on cultural materialism: Milton's "presence" is a function of his collaboration with printers, publishers, booksellers. Interpreting Milton anew also involves a keen awareness of the poetics of incertitude, of contradictions in Milton's works. Rather than struggling to perceive consistency in Milton's positions on controversial issues, Wittreich urges readers to revel in the flexibility, diversity, and richness of Milton's engagement of topics (e.g., gender construction, gender relationships). Building on, but advancing considerably, the achievements of other scholars (past and contemporary), Wittreich catapults Milton into the present era by affirming and substantiating his importance, influence, and ongoing viability in the 21st century. This book excels in every way. ^BSumming Up: Essential. Graduate and research collections. A. C. Labriola Duquesne University