This book investigates the validity of the criticism leveled against John Milton's poetic technique by examining the nuanced construction of his verse. Christopher Ricks, a distinguished scholar of English literature, utilizes close reading and stylistic analysis to challenge the prevailing twentieth-century view that Milton's style is overly rigid or bombastic. By focusing on the specific linguistic choices within his work, Ricks argues that the poet's control over language is marked by significant delicacy and intentional subtlety.

Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the technical mastery of Milton's poetry. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which requires a strong familiarity with the source material to fully appreciate the author's arguments.