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When Gilchrist wrote this critical biography, the world was largely ignorant of William Blake (1757-1827). Most of his works--visual and poetic--were "never published at all ... [and] Blake's poems were ... not even printed in his life-time; simply engraved by his own laborious hand." The first-edition printing of Songs of Innocence and Experience, for example, consisted of slightly more than 20 copies. Nevertheless, Blake was not spared the ironic fate of so many posthumously honored artists. At the time of Gilchrist's writing, "Blake drawings, Blake prints fetch prices which would have solaced a life of penury, had their producer received them."
Of course, it's no surprise that The Life of William Blake is drenched in the style peculiar to the late 19th century, as if proclaimed in an echo chamber where lofty and pious tones vie with the sentimental. Still, who isn't drawn into the central tragedy of Blake's life? He had the capacity to become a great public and religious poet, but instead turned in upon himself, gaining neither reputation nor a following. Blake was simply not of his time, "partly by choice; partly from the necessities of imperfect education."
Although in paperback, this volume suggests antiquity--the type fonts are reminiscent of those used in the dusty, old tomes found in Grandma's attic. Chapter titles reflect the 19th-century sensibility ("A Boy's Poems," "Struggle and Sorrow," "Mad or Not Mad?"). The 39 chapters also reveal Gilchrist's exhaustive study of Blake's life. His report of Blake's first vision at the age of 8 reveals the 19th-century tone: "Sauntering along, the boy looks up and sees a tree filled with angels, bright angelic wings bespangling every bough like stars." Unabridged and illustrated with 40 black-and-white photographs of Blake's engravings, this first critical biography will interest the Blake scholar wishing to add a more period feel to his or her body of research (100 years separate Gilchrist from his subject), as well as the Blake fan in the mood for a courtly and doting guide. --Hollis Giammatteo
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Book Description Buch. Condition: Neu. nach der Bestellung gedruckt Neuware - Printed after ordering - This vintage book contains a detailed biography of William Blake. William Blake (1757-1827) was an English painter and poet. As with many of his ilk, Blake's artistic endeavours were unrecognised during his lifetime, but he is considered today to be one of the most seminal figures in the history of poetry. This volume is highly recommended for those with an interest in poetry, and would make for a worthy addition to any bookshelf. Contents include: 'Childhood', 'Engraver's Apprentice', 'A Boy's Poems', 'Student and Lover', 'Introduction To The Polite World', 'Struggle and Sorrow', 'Mediation: Notes on Lavater', 'Poems of Manhood', 'Books of Prophecy', 'Bookseller Johnson's', 'The Gates of Paradise, America, Etc.', 'The Songs of Experience', 'Productive Years', 'At Work For The Publishers', 'A New Life', 'Poet Hayley and Felpham', etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction. This book was first published in 1863. Seller Inventory # 9781443736060
Book Description Gebunden. Condition: New. Dieser Artikel ist ein Print on Demand Artikel und wird nach Ihrer Bestellung fuer Sie gedruckt. KlappentextrnrnThis vintage book contains a detailed biography of William Blake. William Blake (1757-1827) was an English painter and poet. As with many of his ilk, Blake s artistic endeavours were unrecognised during his lifetime, but he is con. Seller Inventory # 4179879