1. The Roots of Being: Some Problems in Milton's Biography -- 2. A Biographical and Literary Overview to 1645 -- 3. The Lady of Christ's -- 4. Decision to Become a Poet -- 5. Preparations -- 6. The Left Hand and the Great Purpose -- 7. Education as Means -- 8. Covenant: Sacred and Profaned -- 9. Moves toward the Great Purpose -- 10. A Biographical and Literary Overview to 1674 -- 11. Interferences of the Self -- 12. The Personal World: Man and Woman -- 13. Further Interferences of the Self -- 14. The Political Dimension -- 15. The Religious Precept -- 16. The Bible -- 17. Milton and 1674 -- Appendix A: The Commonplace Book -- Appendix B: Languages in the Commonplace Book -- Appendix C: Dating of the Plans
