William Blake: Selected Poems

William Blake is a major contributor to the Romantic Movement who wrote some of the most moving and memorable verse in the English language. This edition presents his poems in their literary categories and genres, including his lyrics, ballads, comic and satirical verse, descriptive and discursive poems, verse epistles, and prophetic poems. His poetry is intellectually challenging and formally inventive, and this edition has a substantial critical introduction that places his ideas in the contemporary context of the Enlightenment and the artistic reaction against its key assumptions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

William Blake, a renowned poet of the English language, left an indelible mark on the literary world with his profound and evocative verse. His unwavering commitment to visionary and imaginative experiences, coupled with his deep engagement with the turbulent politics of his era, has solidified his status as a significant contributor to the Romantic Movement. This edition presents Blake's poems in their respective literary categories and genres, encompassing his beloved lyrics, ballads, comic and satirical verse, descriptive and discursive poems, verse epistles, and his remarkable prophetic poems, including the entirety of his two diffuse epics, Milton and Jerusalem. Blake's poetry is not only intellectually stimulating but also formally innovative, and this edition includes a substantial critical introduction that contextualizes his ideas within the contemporary framework of the Enlightenment and the artistic response to its fundamental assumptions.

Blake's visionary poetry often defied conventional conventions and sought to capture the essence of the divine and the human experience in a unique and profound way. His lyrics, such as "The Lamb" and "The Tyger," are filled with imagery and symbolism that evoke a sense of awe and wonder, while his ballads, such as "Jerusalem" and "The Miller's Tale," explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. His comic and satirical verse, such as "The Sick Rose" and "A Vision of the Last Judgment," satirizes societal norms and abuses of power, while his descriptive and discursive poems, such as "The Garden of Paradise" and "The Prophecy of Isaiah," offer insights into the natural world and human nature.

One of Blake's most remarkable contributions to poetry was his prophetic vision. He believed that poetry could be a powerful tool for social and political change, and his visionary poems, such as "Milton" and "Jerusalem," were filled with prophecies and visions of a new world order. These poems were not only visionary but also deeply political, addressing issues such as the treatment of women, the role of religion in society, and the destructive nature of war.

Blake's poetry is intellectually challenging as well as formally inventive. He experimented with different poetic forms and styles, including rhyme schemes, meter, and imagery, to create a unique and distinctive voice in the English language. His use of symbolism and metaphor was particularly powerful, allowing him to convey complex ideas and emotions in a simple and accessible way.

In conclusion, William Blake's poetry is a testament to his profound imagination, intellectual rigor, and political activism. His visionary and prophetic poems continue to inspire and challenge readers today, reminding us of the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to inspire social and political change. This edition of Blake's poetry provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to his work, allowing readers to appreciate the depth and complexity of his poetry and to explore the rich tapestry of his visionary and political vision.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 219 x 144 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198804468