The Acrostic Paradise Lost by John Milton and Terrance Lindall

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 5 th 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 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.
Inquire: Milton@wahcenter.net
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