The choice of Book I is commendable as it is the gateway to the magnificent edifice of the entire epic. More than that - it is a powerful portrayal of alienated consciousness as well as a heroic parody of political 'leadership' which we witness in most postcolonial societies todya. Hell is everwhere - whichever way, we fly, we encounter it. But Hell has its own merits and manavalan's notes lead us into that bottomless pit with ease and confidence - adn we coe out, with serenity. Similarly 'L' Allegro' and "II penseroso" Portray two complimentary states of the human min, its upward leap to joy and downward movement to malancholy. These poems have also been edited carefully with a comaparative perspective.
In both the sections there are useful introduction, scholarly, elaborate notes, linguistic and stylistic analysis and important discussions. Allusions have been explained clearly.
