The final, or at least currently final, version of the Block-Wilson-Strade-Premet Classification Theorem states that every finite-dimensional simple Lie algebra over an algebraically closed field of characteristic p greater than 3 is of classical, Cartan, or Melikian type. In two volumes, Strade assembles the proof of the Theorem with explanations and references. The first volume prepares the ground for the classification work performed in the second. The account would interest research mathematicians and advanced graduate students in algebra