Baweja’s exploration of Paradise Lost centers on Milton’s framing of the fall of Adam and Eve, presenting their disobedience as a cautionary example of the consequences of misusing free will. Baweja finds Milton’s treatment of divine foreknowledge and human agency to be a reaffirmation of the necessity of submission to God’s will. “The litmus test of our faith is to believe when we do not witness any results,” he notes. Similarly, Baweja’s analysis of Milton’s Satan emphasizes the destructive power of pride and ambition, positioning the archfiend as a tragic figure whose rebellion serves as a warning against hubris. In detailed commentary on Satan’s infernal council, Baweja posits that moral and intellectual decay is inherent in defiance against divine authority.

Considering Paradise Regained, Baweja highlights Christ’s triumph over Satan’s temptations as the pinnacle of moral strength and obedience, lauding Milton’s depiction of the crucifixion as the ultimate act of reconciliation between God and humanity—a testament to divine mercy and justice. Baweja presents Milton’s narrative as an affirmation of the transformative power of faith and humility. The critique also commends Milton’s use of blank verse and thematic unity as tools to convey the poems’ theological profundity. While the book offers a thorough theological reading, its focus on Christian orthodoxy may feel limiting for readers seeking a broader exploration of the literary or historical dimensions. However, Baweja’s expertise in theological analysis is evident, and he offers an enriching perspective that underscores the spiritual significance of Milton’s work.

Takeaway: Impassioned exploration of Milton’s masterpieces, emphasizing matters of faith.

Comparable Titles: David V. Urban’s Milton and the Parables of Jesus, Hugh M. Richmond’s The Christian Revolutionary: John Milton.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B