Examines Milton's thinking about matter and substance throughout his entire poetic career, seeks to alter the prevailing critical view that Milton was a monist-materialist - one who believes that all things are composed of material and all phenomena are the result of material interactions.

Marking the centenary of Ireland's - and possibly the world's - most famous novel, this joyful introductory guide opens up Ulysses a whole new readership, offering insight into the literary, historical and cultural elements at play in James Joyce's greatest work.