Books 1 and 2 set the scene for Paradise Lost, showing the creation of Pandaemonium, the speeches at the great assembly of rebel angels and Satan setting out on the epic journey that will lead to the Fall of Adam and Eve. This edition presents the full text in a clear, readable style and includes the following supporting materials: * Introductory ‘In Context’ section to set the scene * General notes to explain literary and historical allusions and themes within the text; line-by-line notes to support close textual analysis * ‘Interpretations’ section to stimulate discussion of themes, language, issues and critical history * Tasks designed to encourage students’ engagement with the text and essay questions to prepare them for examinations * Chronology and contemporary illustrations to support students’ contextual work * Short extracts from related texts * Suggestions for further reading to encourage students to broaden their studies