Asimov's Annotated Paradise Lost

Why does Milton’s God seem selfish? Is Satan the hero of “Paradise Lost”? Why has the serpent come to represent evil? Paradise Lost has always been difficult reading. It is packed with allusions to the Bible, classical mythology, and history—allusions that are, for the most part, lost on the twentieth-century reader. In this latest addition to the Asimov “Guides,” the author comes to the reader’s aid. Relying on his vast store of knowledge, Asimov explains all the references to astronomy, alchemy, astrology. He tells the reader, in clear language, the origin and meaning of the gods, demons, names, and places that are mentioned in the poem; for instance: “‘Pandemonium,’ a word coined by Milton, means ’all demons’ and is an appropriate name for the capital of Hell.” Dr. Asimov manages to find every allusion that could possibly cause confusion. By merely turning the page, confusion becomes clarity. Paradise Lost is no longer unapproachable. With Isaac Asimov’s guiding hand, a whole new audience can discover Milton and enjoy Paradise Lost as few ever thought it could be.