William Blake: The Gates of Paradise

Description

Journey back to the 1700s to meet one of the most fascinating people in history. Dreamer, craftsman, poet, madman, and genius — William Blake. Born in 1757 in London, as a boy he apprenticed as an engraver and began a career that would include masterpieces of art. Blake lived during times of incredible change and upheaval, including the Gordon Riots and the French Revolution. Spiritualism and the allure of magic were being replaced by a belief in rationalism. Blake celebrated the beauty of small things. His work showed, “…a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower….” [William Blake] Yet, with the noise and dirt of mills (factories), the Industrial Revolution was drowning out a quiet, rural way of life. The value of things made carefully by hand was being lost. At the same time, the printing press was making it possible for more and more people to read. The rise of printed books and book illustration was revolutionary and Blake was part of it. On the 250th anniversary of Blake’s birth, master storyteller Michael Bedard brings this Renaissance man and his times to vivid life in this biography that is lavishly illustrated with Blake’s work. Review: The Holy Imagination - I completely agree with previous reviewers -- while this is a superb introduction to the life, work & thought of William Blake for younger readers, older readers will find it just as engaging & informative. The key is author Michael Bedard's obvious understanding of & empathy for Blake's vision. He never resorts to reductionism, "explaining" Blake's worldview through the distorting rationalist lens that Blake himself rejected. Instead, he presents & accepts Blake at his word, allowing the readers to experience Blake for themselves, unfiltered, undiluted. If that weren't enough, he also places Blake in context of his times, allowing small & often grim details of everyday life in England to reveal the sort of world in which Blake lived. This clearly shows what Blake was reacting against -- not just the physical ugliness of a world based on money, power & production, but the spiritual ugliness that fuels & upholds such a world. The unspoken parallel to the present world is all too obvious. Best of all, he emphasizes the credo of finding "the All in the small" that Blake embraced by using it as a frame for his book. Using Blake's early little pamphlet "The Gates of Paradise" as the entrance to Blake's magnificent vision is a stroke of brilliance. Added to this is the judicious selection of art & poetry, enough to kindle the imagination of readers coming to Blake for the first time. Even for longtime readers of Blake, this is a book worth adding to your shelves -- most highly recommended! Review: Easy read - I loved this book! I knew the name William Blake but now I know all about him- and I am pleased to have read this wonderful book.