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Lives of Blake (Paperback)
Henry Crabb Robinson, John Thomas Smith, Alexander Gilchrist; Edited by Martin Myrone
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William Blake (1757-1827), hailed as 'the glorious luminary' by
William Rossetti, is one of the great mystics in the history of
Western art. His hallucinatory paintings, watercolours and, in
particular, the illustrations he made for his books of poetry are
instantly recognisable, and have inspired generations of artists in
his wake. Although he was largely ignored by his contemporaries, or
de rided as mad, a number of perceptive critics and commentators
took great interest in both the man and his work. This volume
brings together some of the most illuminating writings by people
who knew Blake, and brings this astonishing visionary to life. They
include the frank appraisal by the hugely percep tive diarist Crabb
Robinson, never before published in full in English, and the first
full biography by Blake's friend and fellow artist John Thomas
Smith, as well as Alexander Gilchrist's Preliminary, whihc heralded
the arrival of Blake in the 19th Century.
This classic biography - originally published in 1863 - was the
first full-length study of Blake. The author offers thoughtful
critical commentary on the poets works, from his childhood poetry
to such later masterpieces as "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of
Experience, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, The Book of Urizen,
Inventions to the Book of Job" and many more. The book covers the
facts of Blake's life: his childhood, years as an engraver's
apprentice and student life, relationships with patrons and
employers, his trial for treason, his "madness, " neglect by the
public, declining health and ultimately death.
LIVES THAT NEVER GROW OLD Part of a radical new series - edited by
Richard Holmes - that recovers the great classical tradition of
English biography. Gilchrist's 'The Life of William Blake' is a
biographical masterpiece, still thrilling to read and vividly
alive. This was the first biography of William Blake ever written,
at a time when the great visionary poet and painter was generally
forgotten, ridiculed or dismissed as insane. Wonderfully vivid and
outspoken (one chapter is entitled 'Mad or Not Mad'), it was based
on revealing interviews with many of Blake's surviving friends.
Blake conversed with spirits, saw angels in trees, and sunbathed
naked with his wife 'like Adam and Eve'. Gilchrist adds detailed
descriptions of Blake's beliefs and working methods, an account of
his trial for high treason and fascinating evocations of the places
in London, Kent and Sussex where he lived. The book ultimately
transformed and enhanced Blake's reputation.
Although today William Blake (1757-1827) is recognised as a
visionary poet and artist, at the time of his death he was unknown
except for his presumed insanity. This highly influential
two-volume biography by the barrister Alexander Gilchrist, first
published in 1863 and reissued here in its second edition (1880),
rescued William Blake from almost complete obscurity. The accepted
interpretation of his madness was challenged and his creative
talents were brought to the attention of Victorian society by the
inclusion of selected writings and artistic works, nearly all
previously unpublished. Volume 1 of Gilchrist's book is an account
of William Blake's life, combining excerpts from his written works
and paintings with detailed biographical information drawn from
surviving letters and contemporary accounts.
Although today William Blake (1757 1827) is recognised as a
visionary poet and artist, at the time of his death he was unknown
except for his presumed insanity. This highly influential
two-volume biography by the barrister Alexander Gilchrist, first
published in 1863 and reissued here in its second edition (1880),
rescued William Blake from almost complete obscurity. The accepted
interpretation of his madness was challenged and his creative
talents were brought to the attention of Victorian society by the
inclusion of selected writings and artistic works, nearly all
previously unpublished. Volume 2 contains a large selection of
Blake's poetry and prose together with an annotated catalogue of
his drawings and paintings.
This Is A New Release Of The Original 1863 Edition.
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