Winner of the 1992 James Holly Hanford Award from the Milton Society of America

"A careful, scholarly study of hidden facets of Milton's poem as seen through the instrument of Kierkegaard's text.... Tanner's contribution to our understanding of Paradise Lost is both original and far-reaching."--Soren Kierkegaard Newsletter

"Tanner adds a fresh voice to longstanding debates in Milton criticism."--Milton Quarterly

"This book must be added to the genuinely insightful body of Miltonist criticism.... Beautifully organized, gernerously documented, and effectually argued.... Tanner's study does full justice to Milton's dramatic argument and Kierkegaard's psychological analysis. Scholars in English Literature, psychology, theology, and ethics all will learn from this penetrating book."--Literature and Theology

"There is good reason for readers of the journal to know about this valuable contribution to our understanding of important philosophical, psychological, and doctrinal issues.... Not only is Tanner's insight into the works of two great Christian writers of value, but the book also reflects his ability to combine the languages of the academy and the Spirit, of reason and faith."--BYU Studies