Paradise Lost Gold Illuminated Elephant Folio

Currently housed at the University of South Carolina Special Collection Library. Contact Elizabeth Sudduth to see the original, if interested. In 2011 and 2012 Terrance Lindall completed work on production of "The Paradise Lost Elephant Folio," a 24 k. gold illuminated 13 x 19 inch book containing 14 full-page Giclee print illustrations with hand-painted borders using Museo II paper manufactured by Crane's, which company makes the paper for our currency. The borders of the elephant folio are complete paintings in themselves. Although the border art focuses principally on elements of design, they also tell stories or make commentary about what is illustrated in the featured central paintings. The borders also are tributes to humanity's great achievements, such as music, dance and architecture, as well as tribute to those individuals and institutions and friends who have had important influences on Lindall's ideas, or who have shown substantial support or affinity. There are only two copies in existence. One is in the collection of the Yuko Nii Foundation and the other is in the world's most comprehensive Milton collection, the Robert J. Wickenheiser collection. The Wickenheiser Collection, built up over a thirty-five year period, has more than 6,000 volumes. It includes more than sixty first and other seventeenth-century editions of Milton's own writings, and significant holdings also of 17th century Miltoniana. Its special focus on illustrated editions make it perhaps the most comprehensive collection ever of Milton illustration, from the first illustrated edition of Paradise Lost (1688) through all the major illustrators that follow, with original drawings by several of the artists, particularly John Martin (1789-1854) and Gustave Doré (1832-1883). The collection's 18th, 19th, and 20th Milton editions preserve a comprehensive record of Milton's continuing impact, while holdings of Milton biography, scholarship, and criticism document knowledge of Milton's writings and influence.