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A Preface to Paradise Lost: Being the Ballard Matthews Lectures Delivered at University College, North Wales, 1941
by
C.S. Lewis
An interpretation of Milton's purpose in writing the epic.
Paperback, 160 pages
Published
December 31st 1961
by Oxford University Press, USA
(first published 1942)
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Not just for those diving into Paradise Lost but is a great apology for the importance of poetry as well. Lewis places Paradise Lost in the broader context of epic poetry, and for that reason he comments on the differences (both theological and technical) between Homer, Virgil, Beowulf, and Milton.
The first nine lectures discuss the broader framework of epic, its style, technique, purpose, etc. while the last ten or so specifically discuss Milton's great work. A note however, I ...more
The first nine lectures discuss the broader framework of epic, its style, technique, purpose, etc. while the last ten or so specifically discuss Milton's great work. A note however, I ...more
There are many introductions and prefaces written for 'Paradise Lost'. Why would anyone choose this particular one to read, especially given that it was written 60 years ago? There are three reasons:
1. The author is C.S. Lewis and people like C.S. Lewis.
2. C.S. Lewis is not only a 'likable' author, but one of the greatest scholars of 17th century English literature to date.
3. C.S. Lewis is not only a scholar of middle English literature, but he is also known as 'The Last of the Old Western Men'....more
1. The author is C.S. Lewis and people like C.S. Lewis.
2. C.S. Lewis is not only a 'likable' author, but one of the greatest scholars of 17th century English literature to date.
3. C.S. Lewis is not only a scholar of middle English literature, but he is also known as 'The Last of the Old Western Men'....more
I recently heard from one of my professors that "when you read Lewis' critical stuff, you wonder 'wow, how did people ever get published with stuff like this?'" I pulled this off the shelf to reassure myself that such statements are silly, and it worked. A book like this would have trouble getting published today, but that's just to say that people like Lewis did their jobs back then: we have no room for sweeping, incisive criticism like this anymore because it's been done, and we need...more
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Wonderful analysis and preface to a much argued piece of lit. I thoroughly enjoyed Lewis' logic; he competently explains those aspects of the work which for most readers are frequently viewed as shortcomings or obstacles. He gives a great insight into the theological viewpoint of the time period, and also lists many further sources for research. His ability as both critic and author lend a unique credibility to his apologetics: as Lewis' own propensities naturally parallel Milton's, he can il...more
This delightful piece of criticism is a reminder of not just why Paradise Lost is one of the great works of literature, but why C. S. Lewis was one of the great literary critics. Lewis surveys the whole sweep of epic poetry from Homer onwards in the introductory chapters which lay the groundwork for his discussion of Milton's work itself. Having established what Milton was trying to achieve in his poem, Lewis concisely addresses some of the main areas of controversy that have arisen from critici...more
In the Evangelical World in which I was raised we are introduced to C.S. Lewis as a theologian and as an apologist. Here I found him to be the literary critic, and was subsequently impressed with his analysis.
First book of literary criticism by Lewis that I have read. Absolutely brilliant. I can't believe I went through a lit crit class without reading Lewis' criticism. If you're interested in epic poetry, this is the book for you.
As others have suggested, this may well be more enjoyable and enriching to read than the work it critiques. How I wish I had had this book when I was studying Paradise Lost.
Very useful criticism for writing a paper for my 17th Century Literature course at the university. Contains Lewis' extremely helpful essay on epic poetry.
Read about half of it, need to go back and read the rest. Chapter 7, "The Style of Secondary Epic," especially caught my eye.
For literary criticism, it was superb. That, and it was probably the most clear and concise I have ever read.
In a lot of ways, this is a more entertaining book than "Paradise Lost." Och well.
For goodness sake, this was wonderfully good.
It's C.S. Lewis and Paradise Lost!
Great
I read "A Preface to Paradise Lost" by C.S. Lewis after reading Milton's "Paradise Lost". It is a series of lectures given by Lewis as a college professor and it is very academic in nature. Having already read Milton's magnum opus I was very interested in his insights and commentary given in these lectures. A great resource to have when plunging into the depths of English literature.
Really interesting. But cut back on the pretentious allusions to other works, C.S. Lewis. It makes you look like a tool. A tool who quotes people in other languages. Without properly integrating said quotes. Now I see why Philip Pullman dislikes you. You're also sexist. Are you dead yet?
Getting ready to read Milton. I love Lewis, and I think this book-length preface will get me into the swing of things. Tackling such a monumental work without a little guidance was a bit daunting, and Lewis has always been a great guide.
The only preface that is a great work of literature in itself. I am often tempted to skip a preface. This one I would read if I never read the work for which it was intended.
Love Lewis, and Paraside Lost is one of my favorite all time books. This book is a little mind twisting and heady.
A very helpful book for understanding Paradise Lost or any of the classical epics.
An excellent introduction not only to Paradise lost but to epic poetry in general.
Magnificent. Also read around September of 1986.
Kymalisa
is currently reading it
I re-read A Paradise Lost last year after listening to it on disc as I commuted between Tahoe and San Francisco eighteen months ago. I want to have Lewis perspective on a piece of literature that I have found to be incredible.
Phillip Grant
is currently reading it
Bailee Sample
marked it as to-read
Charissa
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Clive Staples "Jack" Lewis was an Irish writer and scholar. Lewis is known for his work on medieval literature, Christian apologetics, literary criticism, and fiction. He is best known today in secular culture for his series Chronicles of Narnia.
Lewis taught as a fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford from 1925 to 1954, and later was the first Professor of Medieval and Renaissanc...more
More about C.S. Lewis...
Lewis taught as a fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford from 1925 to 1954, and later was the first Professor of Medieval and Renaissanc...more
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