"A reliable measure of Milton's greatness, according to Leland Ryken, dealing with a subject that has received inadequate attention, analyzes the literary techniques Milton uses in 'Paradise Lost' to describe apocalyptic reality-reality that is both transcendental and ideal. By concentrating on this aspect of Milton's epic, the author provides an accurate and comprehensible description of his apocalyptic vision and contributes substantially to our understanding of a great poem. Professor Ryken's book is descriptive and analytic in nature. His discussion of Milton's evocation of transcendental reality through contrast, negation, analogy, distancing, and apocalyptic imagery not only elucidates 'Paradise Lost'; it also casts new light on the work of other visionary poets."- Leland Ryken.