William Blake

William Blake (1757–1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker. He is considered a seminal figure in the history of both the poetry and visual arts of the Romantic Age. Blake's prophetic poetry has been said to form 'what is in proportion to its merits the least read body of poetry in the English language'. His visual artistry led one contemporary art critic to proclaim him 'far and away the greatest artist Britain has ever produced'. Blake was largely unrecognized during his lifetime, but is now considered a key figure in the history of both the poetry and visual arts of the Romantic Age.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Complete Poetry and Prose of William Blake

    This comprehensive collection features the complete works of a renowned 18th-century English poet and artist, known for his symbolic and critical approach to societal issues. It includes all his prophetic and illuminated poetry, prose, sketches, and illustrations, providing a deep insight into his visionary and revolutionary mind. The book also contains annotations and commentary, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the depth and breadth of the author's philosophical and artistic contributions.

  2. 2. Songs of Innocence and Experience

    This collection of poems contrasts the innocent world of childhood with the often corrupt and oppressive world of adulthood. The "Songs of Innocence" section contains poems which are simple and happy, often written from the perspective of a child or a benevolent deity. The "Songs of Experience" section, however, contains darker, more complex poems that deal with serious themes such as poverty, injustice, and the abuse of power. The collection as a whole explores the two contrasting states of the human soul and encourages the reader to consider the balance between them.