"About The Acrostic Paradise Lost" by Terrance Lindall

Here is a note from Terrance Lindall describing his Acrostic Paradise Lost project.  Terrance developed the concept in consultation with Miltonist John Geraghty, and to document their discussions Terrance has prepared another book entitled John Geraghty: Surveying Mount Analogue.  After Terrance's note, Highbrow readers can view the two projects by clicking the cover images below.

About The Acrostic Paradise Lost

by

Terrance Lindall

 

There's an acrostic “Satan” in Paradise Lost 9.510-514:

 

     Scipio the highth of Rome. With tract oblique
     At first, as one who sought access, but feard
     To interrupt, side-long he works his way.
     As when a Ship by skilful Stearsman wrought
     Nigh Rivers mouth or Foreland, where the Wind

 

Acrostics in Milton’s poem have fascinated scholars, and I thought I might like to write another synopsized version of Paradise Lost in acrostic form that actually tells the story briefly. The idea was suggested by John Geraghty, a prominent collector of Milton books, art and ephemera.

 

I am just beginning the project that I hope I can present it during National Poetry Month next year. I will also present two first edition illustrated books of William Blake, plus many other remarkable illustrated books.

 

I do attempt things with Paradise Lost never done before. One was synopsizing it and then popularizing it in Heavy Metal Magazine. The synopsized book was on display in B. Dalton’s store window on 5th Avenue in mid-Manhattan and sold out. Another was the Gold Folio, and another was the Gold Scroll that reads like a Torah scroll (p.65). Then there was the Paradise Lost Costume ball in 2008 that got a major article in the New York Times. All were successful.

 

We [The Williamsburg Art and Historical Center] also have a major collection of Paradise Lost related materials, including first illustrated editions, an Elkington Shield that won a world fair award, etc.

 

These will be on display when I produce the show related to the acrostic.

Click the cover images to view the projects: