Synopses & Reviews
A poet, painter, and engraver, William Blake died in 1827 in obscurity. Yet he has become one of the most anthologized writers in English and one of the most collected British artists. His urge to create masterpieces of revelation has left complex (and sometimes bizarre) works of written and visual art. The essays in this Companion and a chronology, guides to further reading, and glossary of Blake's terms identify the key points of departure into Blake's diverse world.
Review
"Like other volumes in the "Cambridge Companions to Literature" series, this collection of essays is designed to be useful for a broad academic audience. It maintains the normally high standards of editing, writing, and scholarship that characterize the series. Highly recommended." Choice
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 288-293) and index.
About the Author
Morris Eaves is Professor of English at the University of Rochester, New York and author of several books and articles on William Blake.
Table of Contents
Chronology; 1. Introduction Morris Eaves; Part I. Perspectives: 2. William Blake and his circle Aileen Ward; 3. Illuminated printing Joseph Viscomi; 4. Blake's language Susan Wolfson; 5. Blake as painter David Bindman; 6. The political aesthetic of the illuminated books Saree Makdisi; 7. Blake and religion Robert Ryan; 8. Blake's politics in history Jon Mee; 9. Blake and Romanticism David Simpson; Part II. Blake's Works: 10. Blake's early works Nelson Hilton; 11. From America to The Four Zoas Andrew Lincoln; 12. Milton and its contexts, 1800-1810 Mary Lynn Johnson; 13. Jerusalem and Blake's final works Robert N. Essick; Appendices; Guides to Further Reading; Glossary of terms, names, and concepts Alexander Gourlay.