Publisher's Synopsis
This Supplement Edition of Areopagitica, designed for teachers or autodidacts, has three elements: the text itself, supplementary material from a number of sources organized around questions that students may ask, such as, What was Milton's early career? Why did he write Areopagitica? What was happening in England at the time? Plus an extensive Notes section for the names and events that Milton mentions, a Bibliography, and a Glossary (ex. "sponge" from spunge, to expunge). 124pp. in all. The printed version lists page numbers. A pdf version with hyperlinks is also available; contact the publisher at bandannabooks.com for information.
Here is the Table of Contents for the Supplement Edition. This provides the same text, with the same page numbering, as the student edition, with a wealth of information organized around typical student questions, plus a glossary. Here are the questions:
Preface for Teachers
Why is Areopagitica important?
Who was John Milton?
Who was in Milton's family?
What was his childhood like?
What happened during Milton's college career?
How did Milton prepare himself after college?
What happened on Milton's trip to Italy?
Did Milton change on returning to England?
Did Milton marry?
What was he writing at this time?
Why did Milton use this title?
Why did he write Areopagitica?
What was the public reaction to Areopagitica?
What did the early critics say about Milton?
Why was England in a turmoil in the 1640s?
What did King Charles expect to achieve?
What was the Long Parliament?
How did Cromwell rise to prominence?
How had the press been restricted?
What points does Milton make?
Who states the other side of the argument?
What is special about printing?
How many people could read?
Is freedom of the press the same as freedom of speech?
Is freedom of the press a dead issue?
What books were in Milton's library?
Is Milton's style important?
What do modern critics say?
Was Milton borne out by history?
What was the printing history of Areopagitica?
What happened in Milton's later life?
Bibiography
Notes to the text
Glossary
