The Cambridge Companion to Milton provides an accessible, helpful guide for any student of Milton, whether undergraduate or graduate, introducing readers to the scope of Milton's work, the richness of its historical relations, and the range of current approaches to it. This second edition contains new and revised essays, reflecting increasing emphasis on Milton's politics, the social conditions and climate in which his works were published and received, the importance of his early poems and Samson Agonistes, and the changes wrought by gender studies on the criticism of previous decades. The Companion's updated bibliography of studies and resources on Milton's works and life is available online at . 'The contributors write in a direct and simple style that is now as rare as it is welcome. It is hard to imagine even the most industrious students going far beyond what this book provides in their study of Milton.' Forum for Modern Language Studies Introduces readers to the scope of Milton's work, the richness of its historical relations, and the range of current approaches to it.