The Book of Urizen (ePub)

William Blake (1757-1827) was a seminal figure in the history of the poetry and visual arts of the Romantic Age. An English poet, painter, and printmaker, Blake is now regarded as a towering literary figure, often associated with the Romantic movement despite his unique and idiosyncratic style. Celebrated for his expressiveness and creativity, Blake's body of work includes some of the most beautiful and complex poems and illustrations of the 18th and 19th centuries. His writings explore themes of innocence and experience, rebellion against authority, and visionary prophetic narratives. 'The Book of Urizen' (1794), one of Blake's most noteworthy prophetic books, delves into themes of creation, division, and the struggle of human existence. It demonstrates Blake's distinctive approach to illustrating his own mythological universe, making use of a rich, symbolic language and illuminating engravings to accompany his profound verses. Despite receiving little public recognition during his lifetime and being considered mad by contemporaries for his idiosyncratic views, modern critics hail Blake's work for its fearless exploration of philosophy and psychology. His visual art and poetry have been characteristically analyzed not only for their deep mythic structure and prophetic qualities but also for their revolutionary spirit and insightful critique into the clash between freedom and repression. Today, William Blake is celebrated for his artistic achievements and regarded as a forerunner in the counterculture of the 1960s and in the broader history of literature and art.