Milton A Poem (Illuminated Manuscript with the Original Illustrations of William Blake) (eBook)

William Blake (1757–1827), a towering figure of the Romantic Age, was an English poet, painter, and printmaker who has left an indelible mark on the landscape of English literature. Blake is perhaps best known for his visionary poetry and the accompanying illustrations, which he often produced through a unique method of illuminated printing he developed himself. His works reflect a deep engagement with themes of spirituality, imagination, and the human condition. 'Milton A Poem', while less known than his seminal works such as 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience' and 'The Marriage of Heaven and Hell', nonetheless encapsulates Blake's innovative fusion of text and image, and his probing into the national and personal identity. In 'Milton', Blake not only re-imagines the character of the English poet John Milton but also explores his own ideas of prophecy and poetic inspiration. Blake's literary style is characterized by its symbolic richness, prophetic voice, and a non-conventional approach to both form and content, often challenging the political and social norms of his time. Throughout his life, Blake's genius went largely unrecognized, and he was often dismissed as eccentric by the contemporary public and critics. It was not until the late 19th century that his work gained the scholarly appreciation it deserved, heralding Blake as a seminal figure in poetic and artistic expression.