The Astronomy of Milton's 'Paradise Lost'

The author surveys astronomy from ancient observations through seventeenth-century developments, then analyzes the astronomical knowledge present in Milton and his engagement with Galileo. Subsequent chapters treat seasons, stellar structures, and specific celestial objects cited in the poem, offering technical descriptions and identifying phenomena such as sunspots, nebulae, lunar features, and binary stars. The final section assesses the poet's imaginative use of astronomical material. The work integrates historical overview, scientific explanation, comparative readings, figures, and plates to show how contemporary astronomy informs and enriches the poem's imagery.