Awake! : William Blake and the Power of the Imagination

‘The best overall study of Blake I have encountered in a very long time.’ — Rowan Williams ‘A thrilling new study of William Blake … full of inspiring insights.’ — The Tablet A new look at the life, works and enduring relevance of William Blake, a deeply spiritual and politically radical figure. In the 200 years since Blake's death, the visionary artist, poet and writer has become a household name, often beloved. Yet many struggle to comprehend his kaleidoscopic ideas; how they speak to human longings and the challenges of living in anxious times. Philosopher and psychotherapist Mark Vernon provides a fresh route into Blake, taking him at his word. Exploring this brilliant thinker's passionate writings, arresting artworks and fascinating life, Vernon illuminates Blake's vivid worldview. Like us, he lived in a tumultuous era of war, discontent, rapid technological change, and human estrangement from nature. He exposed the dark sides of political fervour and social moralising, while unashamedly celebrating love and liberty. But he also conversed with prophets and angels, and was powerfully, if unconventionally, religious. If we take this seriously--not easy, in secular times--then Blake can help us to unlock the transformative power of imagination. Written for both longstanding fans and unfamiliar readers, Awake! reveals Blake as an invigorating and hopeful guide for our modern age. A fresh and thoughtful take on William Blake, gleaning lessons for today’s world from his works Considers Blake’s artwork, poetry and other writings from the perspective of a philosopher and psychotherapist An accessible look at Blake, as much for his fans as those new to his work