William Blake

 

Owing to lessons of English literature we have a possibility to learn about the most salient English writers and acquaint with their works. On learning William Blake I’ve become fascinated by his creativity. Consequently, I’m eager to post some information about this artist in order to shed some light on this idiosyncratic man.

Poet, painter, engraver and mystic William Blake was born in London, on November 28,1757. His parents, James and Catherine, ran a hosiery shop and were political radicals and religious Dissenters. William attended school only long enough to learn reading and writing, leaving at the age of ten, and was otherwise educated at home by his mother. He began writing poetry when he was twelve and was apprenticed to a London engraver at the age of fourteen. His poetry and visual art are inextricably linked.

In 1784, he set up a print shop, but within a few years the business floundered and for the rest of his life Blake eked out a living as an engraver and illustrator. His wife, Catharine, whom he married in 1782, remained faithful and diligent and she helped him to print the illuminated poetry for which he is remembered today.

In 1789, he published his Songs of Innocence, the gentlest of his lyrics, but the collection was followed by Songs of Experience, containing a profound expression of adult corruption and repression. His long list of works shows relentless energy and drive. As one of the most complex writers known, it is impossible to summarize his career - he was a combination of extremes. He’s great, You mat ensure this by your own, when reading his poems or gazing his paintings.