William Blake – Publications About Georgian Poet
Books Exploring Life and Art of 18th Century Painter and Engraver
Apr 27, 2009
Since a recent exhibition at the British Museum, entitled Babylon Myth and Reality, (November 2008 to March 2009) there has been increased interest in the art of William Blake (1757-1827) the 18th Century engraver, mystic, poet, painter and major figure of the Romantic Movement.
William Blake's Imaginative Texts
Blake wrote highly imaginative and disturbing texts, such as Songs of Innocence and Experience, and Europe a Prophecy. He illustrated them himself creating some amazing painted manuscripts. Nothing like them had been seen since the illustrated manuscripts of the Middle Ages.
William Blake – Forthcoming Publications
William Blake has been a long-standing favourite with publishers all over the world and 2009 will see the appearance of several new books including:
William Blake by Osbert Burdett
William Blake is written by art critic Osbert Burdett, an expert in British art at the end of the 19th Century and specialist on William Blake. He explores the overall impact of Blake on English art. Published by Sirrocco-Parkstone International, this 256-page book features 150 illustrations and a comprehensive exploration of Blake's life and work and his overall impact on English art. (978-1-84484-649-8 Hardcover £25.00)
William Blake the Complete Illuminated Works by David Bindman
This is one of Thames & Hudson's most impressive publications. A 480-page book, introduced by David Bindman, features every page of William Blake's 20 or more illustrated works, in true size, exactly as he hoped the public would see them.
David Bindman, formerly Professor of the History of Art at University College London, is a noted Blake scholar and author of many books on art including The Complete Graphic Works of William Blake and The Thames and Hudson Encyclopedia of British Art.
William Blake the Complete Illuminated Works will be published by Thames & Hudson in May 2009 as part of their 60th birthday celebrations. (978-0-500-600252 Paperback £29.95)
William Blake in Public Libraries
One doesn't have to buy new books to explore this most complex personality, often described as one of England's most important artists. This is just a small selection of titles available on the shelves of public libraries:
William Blake by William Vaughan
William Vaughan, Professor Emeritus in History of Art at Birkbeck College, University of London, presents this examination of Blake's life and work. Vaughan describes the artist as a genius, a source of creativity and insight, as well as an unsettling and eccentric personality. Through a detailed examination of some of Blake's greatest works, such as Songs of Innocence and Experience and Europe a Prophecy he presents an artist with a unique vision and deep concerns about the religious and political issues of his age.
William Blake by William Vaughan, is published by Tate Publishing, 2004. (ISBN 1 85437 281 5).
William Blake the Painter at Work
This publication, edited by Dr Joyce H. Townsend, senior conservation scientist at Tate, presents the results of new research carried out by the Tate Gallery. It provides new insights into Blake's choice of materials and techniques. It also explores some of the myths relating to his working practice as well as his own ideas about painting. This study features very high quality reproductions accompanied by a scholarly narrative, accessible to all.
William Blake the Painter at Work, is published by Tate Publishing, 2003, (ISBN 1 85437 468 0).
The choice of library books is endless. Not all volumes are brand new but this does not detract from their value to Blake enthusiasts. The titles mentioned above came from the art shelves but don't forget to check the poetry shelves for further titles covering Blake's poetry.
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