'Full of quirky detail and careful research … one does not have to agree with every reading to appreciate the importance of intelligent questioning to the future of Milton studies, and it is high praise to say that Edwards succeeds in giving us a fresh appreciation of Paradise Lost.' Margaret Kean, The Times Literary Supplement

• Introduction; Part I. Re-reading the Book of the World: 1. Corrupting experience: Satan and Eve; 2. Experimentalists and the book of the world; 3. The place of experimental reading; Part II. Reforming Animals: 4. Milton's complicated serpents; 5. New uses for monstrous lore; 6. From rarities to representatives; 7. Rehabilitating the political animal; Part III. Transplanting the Garden. 8. Naming and not naming; 9. Botanical discretion; 10. Flourishing colors; 11. The balm of life; Bibliography; Index.

'Full of quirky detail and careful research … one does not have to agree with every reading to appreciate the importance of intelligent questioning to the future of Milton studies, and it is high praise to say that Edwards succeeds in giving us a fresh appreciation of Paradise Lost.' Margaret Kean, The Times Literary Supplement

• Introduction; Part I. Re-reading the Book of the World: 1. Corrupting experience: Satan and Eve; 2. Experimentalists and the book of the world; 3. The place of experimental reading; Part II. Reforming Animals: 4. Milton's complicated serpents; 5. New uses for monstrous lore; 6. From rarities to representatives; 7. Rehabilitating the political animal; Part III. Transplanting the Garden. 8. Naming and not naming; 9. Botanical discretion; 10. Flourishing colors; 11. The balm of life; Bibliography; Index.