Synopses & Reviews
This study uncovers a vital thematic unity within Blake's early work: his far-reaching use of humor. Although often dismissed as a product of his eccentricity, the comic was an essential key to Blake's concept of Vision. With special reference to Bakhtin's theory of the carnivalesque, this book offers new readings of Blake's works, demonstrating how he was influenced by contemporary theatre, verbal and visual satirists and the Shakespearean clown.
Synopsis
Blake's comic brilliance has been variously dismissed as the nervous ramblings of a neglected genius or a crude tool for destabilizing textual authority. But, for the 18th century, comedy played a pivotal role in debates on aesthetics, education, spirituality, and morality. This exciting new study blends a close reading of Blake's early work with fascinating historical research to demonstrate that the comic was an essential component of Blake's artistic vision.
Synopsis
Blake's comic brilliance has been variously dismissed as the nervous ramblings of a neglected genius, the tomfool doodles of a distracted youngster, or a crude tool for destabilizing textual authority. But, for the eighteenth century, comedy played a pivotal role in debates on aesthetics, education, spirituality and morality. This exciting new study blends a close reading of Blake's early work with fascinating historical research to demonstrate that the comic was an essential component of Blake's artistic Vision.
Synopsis
Uncovers a vital thematic unity within Blake's early work: his far-reaching use of humor.
About the Author
Nick Rawlinson is Lecturer in English at Queen Mary and Westfield College at the University of London.
Table of Contents
Songs of Pleasant Glee * Absurd Tales and Strait Waistcoats * Laughter in the Community * Talking of Virtuous Cats * To Sing the Sweet Chorus of Ha, Ha, He * Index