The completed texts of two of the greatest epic poems in English literature are combined in one volume where each provides a profound exploration of the moral problems of God's justice. Each work demonstrates Milton's genius for classicism, innovation, narrative and drama. Includes a new introduction and extensive footnotes.

John T. Shawcross (1924-2011) was Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Kentucky. He was the author of numerous books, including With Mortal Voice: The Creation of Paradise Lost, and a two-time winner of the James Holly Hanford Book Award for the most distinguished book on Milton.

Michael Lieb (1940-2022) was Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He was the author, editor, or coeditor of numerous books, including Theological Milton: Deity, Discourse and Heresy in the Miltonic Canon and The Miltonic Samson, the latter of which won the 1996 Irene Samuel Memorial Award of the Milton Society of America.