Blake and Antiquity

by Kathleen Raine

Blake was a visionary like no other. To some, like William Wordsworth, the only explanation for the remarkable spiritual world Blake witnessed and brought to life in his books was 'insane genius'. Although such a view persisted well into the twentieth century, this is the pivotal work which challenged that perspective and changed forever our understanding of William Blake's genius, placing him in the esoteric tradition. For many this book will be a revelation; for lovers of Blake it is indispensable.

Genres: Literary Criticism, Poetry, Nonfiction, Biography, English Literature, Art

Hardcover

First published July 1, 1977

About the author

Kathleen Jessie Raine CBE was an English poet, critic and scholar, writing in particular on William Blake, W.B. Yeats and Thomas Taylor. Known for her interest in various forms of spirituality, most prominently Platonism and Neoplatonism, she was a founding member of the Temenos Academy.

Reviews

[E. G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction to the Routledge Classics Edition
Introduction to the First Edition
List of Illustrations

--Blake and Antiquity

Select Bibliography
Illustrations

[Searnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this work long ago as part of the research for an essay I was writing about a dance work titled, "Belling the Slyer", choreographed by Kirk Peterson. The motive then was to sound the meanings of "Sick Rose." Peterson had used this poem in his program notes to enhance the mysteriousness of his ballet.(It worked.)

I've re-read parts of Raine's book again this time in preparation for doing a "reveal" of "Riddley Walker." I've feel that it illuminates Lorna's 'some kynda thing is in us" speech very well.

[Michael Pennington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Brandon Sitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful book on England’s greatest poet

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raine's work examines Blake's literary and artistic output for gnostic/occult influences and, of course, finds them everywhere. Perhaps does not sufficiently distinguish between necessary reliance on a source and similarities between sources with shared influences. Excellent for ideas about Blake's source material, however, especially for his images, even if I don't agree with many of her conclusions or specific readings of Blake.

[Michael Matejka · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful review of the sources for Blake's symbolism. The only influence I'd known of was Swedenborg, and otherwise I simply figured Blake had one of the most well developed imaginations of any English speaker -- I assumed Blake was a true original. Here I learned that Blake also took much from neoplatonic thought, and he did so systematically.

Though at times repetitive and at others fuzzy in thought and development, the content presented in this book is so valuable that I still felt thankful for having found it.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing work, a perfect combination of academic rigor and originality. Focuses on two aspects: Neo-Platonism and Alchemy. The Alchemy part is a bit challenging.