Alain:
A Preface to Paradise Lost by C.S. Lewis
Alain appreciates this book as a work of general literary criticism, particularly on the epic poems. Before Lewis even begins to talk about Paradise Lost he sets the poem in the contexts of its genre. Alain read this long before attempting Milton, and recommends it highly.
(Has anyone else noticed that Crux staff have a fondness for Lewis no matter what he writes?)
Ed:
May part 3 Monthly Staff Picks
Crux Books 