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William Blake, Songs of Experience (1794). Cf. Blake's Illuminated Books, ed. David Bindman (Princeton, NJ: William Blake Trust; London: Tate Gallery, 1991-). See Vol. 2. PR 4142 B46 1991 ROBA. First Publication Date: 1794.
William Blake, Songs of Innocence (1789). Blake's Illuminated Books, ed. David Bindman (Princeton, NJ: William Blake Trust; London: Tate Gallery, 1991-). See Vol. 2. PR 4142 B46 1991 ROBA. First Publication Date: 1789.
William Blake, Poems, ed. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1863).First Publication Date: 1863.
William Blake, Poetical Sketches (London, 1783.) D-10 1987 Fisher Rare Book Library (Toronto).First Publication Date: 1783.
William Blake, Milton (1804). Blake's Illuminated Books, ed. David Bindman (Princeton,NJ: William Blake Trust; London: Tate Gallery, 1991-). See Vol. 5. PR 4142 B46 1991 ROBA. First Publication Date: ca. 1808 (notwithstanding the date of publication).
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William Blake was born in London, Nov. 28th, 1757. He was the first of the great English
Romantic poets. Largely self-taught, he began writing poetry when he was twelve and was
apprenticed to a London engraver at the age of fourteen. His poetry and visual art
are inextricably linked. To fully appreciate one you must see it in context with the other.
Blake is frequently referred to as a mystic, but this is not really accurate.
He deliberately wrote in the style of the Hebrew prophets and apocalyptic writers.
He envisioned his works as expressions of prophecy, following in the footsteps (or,
more precisely strapping on the sandals) of Elijah and Milton. In fact, he clearly
believed himself to be the living embodiment of the spirit of Milton.
