A visionary of eighteen-century English society, William Blake produced a vast collection of poetry, mythology, satires, political pieces, and prophetic works, in addition to his famous etchings and engravings. Although largely unknown during his own lifetime and often rejected as a madman for claims of hearing voices and later having visions, Blake has achieved enduring fame for his innovative and extraordinarily imaginative work and is widely viewed as one of the most important of all English artists. Born in London in 1757, Blake received little formal schooling and began his apprenticeship as an engraver in 1772 and later studied painting at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. The poetry he wrote throughout his life varies greatly in style and substance, reflecting his literary development and the radical shifts in his religious belief. This complete collection of Blake's poetry includes his famous "Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience", which exemplify the author's fondness for thematic dichotomies in poems like "The Lamb" and "The Tyger". Also included are "The Four Zoas", "Milton", and "Jerusalem", all of which display an extensive use of symbolism from Christianity and Blake's theories on reality and knowledge. This collection is an important addition to the library of any scholar, student, or poetry enthusiast.
