Great Writers
William Blake
Hi Poets! For the month of December, William Blake is YWP's Great Poet, recommended by YWP intern Anna O'Reilly.
William Blake (1757-1827) was a poet, painter, and printmaker, who was not well known during his lifetime but is now considered the first English Romantic poet. He inspired many poets and singers, including Bob Dylan and John Lennon.
Blake was born on Nov. 28, 1757 in London and died Aug. 12, 1827. There are 139 published poems by Blake. His writings often went against the norms of the day and argued for a more liberal society. Blake wrote about the idea that the government and religion imposed restrictions that limited and oppressed society. In 1951, the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre in Sydney, Australia, created the Blake Prize in William Blake's name to encourage artists to explore the experience of spirituality, religion, and belief.
In 1782, Blake married an illiterate woman named Catherine Boucher and taught her how to read and write. Under Blake’s tutoring she also became an accomplished draftsman, helping him in the creation of his designs. He often combined these illustrations with his writing. Blake's artistic style was considered unique and visionary, and his influence continues today.
Biography:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/william-blake
Poetry:
London: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43673/london-56d222777e969
Jerusalem:https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/54684/jerusalem-and-did-those-feet-in-ancient-time
The Sick Rose: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43682/the-sick-rose
The Little Boy Lost: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52703/the-little-boy-lost
The Tyger: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43687/the-tyger
The Lamb: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43670/the-lamb-56d222765a3e1
[Illustrations: William Blake's illustrated Songs of Innocence: The Lamb and Songs of Experience: The Tyger, Metropolitan Museum of Art]