Milton’s own book-by-book summary with a selection of the finest paintings and illustrations, and links to individual articles.
Doré
In which Michael tells Adam of the prophets to come, and the life of Jesus Christ, before leading Adam and Eve out of Paradise.
How William Merritt Chase’s beard changed, beards in literature such as ‘Faust’, Bluebeard, Redbeard, and beware of the moustache.
In which Adam is shown the events to come, including Cain and Abel, suffering and death, and the Flood.
Christ judges Adam and Eve for their sin, Satan transformed into a dragon, and Sin and Death unleashed on man.
The climax: Satan enters the serpent, and tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge. Adam and Eve are undone.
In which Adam is warned again not to eat the fruit of the tree of Knowledge, and recalls how Eve was made from his rib.
More slumbering people painted by Courbet, Doré, Walter Crane, and major painters of the 19th century.
Account of the creation of the world, and of Adam in God’s image. Illustrations by William Blake, Gustave Doré and John Martin.
In which Raphael tells Adam and Eve how Satan was defeated and cast out of heaven, falling with his rebel angels into Hell.
The Eclectic Light Company 