William Blake & the Tree of Life

Publication: Berkeley & London, Shambala, 1971. Formatting: 8vo, pp. [ii], 126. Condition Report: Near Fine. A remarkably well-preserved example, presenting in tight, square condition with unblemished crimson cloth boards and strikingly bright gilt tooling to the spine. The binding is entirely firm with no hint of rolling or leaning, whilst the corners remain sharp and unbumped. Internally, the pages are crisp, clean, and entirely free from prominent ownership markings, retaining a fresh, bright appearance. The dust jacket is likewise in exceedingly good order, exhibiting only the faintest trace of age-toning, now fully protected in a removable sleeve, free from any notable chips or tears. Catalogue Note: This is the uncommon 1971 Shambala hardcover edition, a reissue of a work originally copyrighted in 1956. While the text enjoyed a wider distribution as a paperback in the early 1970s, this hardcover issue in crimson cloth remains notably scarce on the open market. The work features a series of striking black-and-white illustrations selected by Wesley Tanner from William Blake's original engravings and manuscripts, beautifully complementing the esoteric nature of the text. It stands as an excellent reference copy for scholars of Blake’s spiritual doctrines. In this profound esoteric study, Laura DeWitt James explores one of William Blake's most deftly hidden and complex spiritual doctrines: the doctrine of the 'False Tongue beneath Beulah'. The text delves into the tragedy of the human race as conceived by Blake, a vast vertical cleavage of Man's being, and traces the challenging, seemingly hopeless journey towards spiritual restitution. Ultimately, the work illuminates the path back up the Tree of Life, revealing how Sweet Science (Qabala) plays a vital role in closing the metaphysical breach, offering a triumphant return from the abyss.…