The Life of William Blake

by Gilchrist, Alexander

• ISBN13: 9780486400051
• ISBN10: 0486400050
• Edition: Unabridged
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2017-05-17
• Publisher: Dover Publications

Summary

Classic 1863 biographylargely credited with rescuing the great English poet and painter from oblivionoffers sensitive discussions of Blake's childhood, years as an engraver's apprentice, relations with patrons and employers, trial for treason, declining health, untimely death, much more. Also, expert critical commentary on boyhood poems, and great poetic and artistic masterpieces of Blake's maturity. Over 40 of Blake's own illustrations.

Author Biography

A seminal figure in both the literature and the visual arts of the Romantic age, William Blake (1757–1827) dwelt his entire life in London, where he made his living as an engraver. The visionary poet and painter, whose art was misunderstood and overlooked during his lifetime, created intensely spiritual works informed by his strong philosophical and religious beliefs.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY
CHAPTER II CHILDHOOD. 1757-71.
CHAPTER III ENGRAVER'S APPRENTICE. 1771-78.
CHAPTER IV A BOY'S POEMS. 1768-77.
CHAPTER V STUDENT AND LOVER. 1778-82.
CHAPTER VI INTRODUCTION TO THE POLITE WORLD. 1782.84.
CHAPTER VII STRUGGLE AND SORROW. 1782-87.
CHAPTER VIII MEDITATION : NOTES ON LAVATER. 1788.
CHAPTER IX POEMS OF MANHOOD. 1788-89.
CHAPTER X BOOKS OF PROPHECY. 1789-90.
CHAPTER XI BOOKSELLER JOHNSON'S. 1791-92.
"CHAPTER XII THE GATES OF PARADISE, "AMERICA," ETC. 1793."
"CHAPTER XIII THE "SONGS OF EXPERIENCE." 1794."
CHAPTER XIV PRODUCTIVE YEARS. 1794-95.
CHAPTER XV AT WORK FOR THE PUBLISHERS. 1795-99.
CHAPTER XVI A NEW LIFE. 1799-1800.
CHAPTER XVII POET HAYLEY AND FELPHAM. 1800-1.
CHAPTER XVIII WORKING HOURS. 1801-3.
CHAPTER XIX TRIAL FOR HIGH TREASON. 1803-4.
CHAPTER XX ADIEU TO FELPHAM. 1804.
CHAPTER XXI SOUTH MOLTON STREET. 1804.
CHAPTER XXII A KEEN EMPLOYER. 1805-7.
CHAPTER XXIII GLEAMS OF PATRONAGE. 1806-8.
"CHAPTER XXIV THE DESIGNS TO "BLAIR." 1804-8."
CHAPTER XXV APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC. 1808-10.
CHAPTER XXVI ENGRAVER CROMEK. 1807.12.
CHAPTER XXVII YEARS OF DEEPENING NEGLECT. 1810-17.
CHAPTER XXVIII JOHN VARLEY AND THE VISIONARY HEADS. 1818-20.
CHAPTER XXIX OPINIONS : NOTES ON REYNOLDS. 1820.
CHAPTER XXX DESIGNS TO PHILLIPS' PASTORALS. 1820-21.
CHAPTER XXXI FOUNTAIN COURT. 1821-25.
"CHAPTER XXXII "INVENTIONS TO THE BOOK OF JOB." 1823-25."
CHAPTER XXXIII HAMPSTEAD : AND YOUTHFUL DISCIPLES. 1825-27.
CHAPTER XXXIV PERSONAL DETAILS.
CHAPTER XXXV MAD OR NOT MAD?
CHAPTER XXXVI DECLINIGN HEALTH : DESIGNS TO DANTE. 1824-27.
CHAPTER XXXVII LAST DAYS. 1827.
CHAPTER XXXVIII POSTHUMOUS. 1827-31
CHAPTER XXXIX
  SUPPLEMENTARY
  THE COLOUR PRINTS
  "ANNOTATED LIST OF BLAKE'S PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS, AND ENGRAVINGS"
  BLAKE'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE
  INDEX