Life of William Blake

by Alexander Gilchrist

Despite the flow of books on William Blake, this first full-length life biography published in 1863 remains essential to those who would understand one of the greatest of Englishmen, for the author, Alexander Gilchrist, had one advantage which has been denied to his successors - he could still find people who had known Blake. These personal reminiscences give the book an actuality which few of the later ones have touched. The second and best edition of Gilchrist's biography, upon which this edition is based, originally appeared in 1880, and has long been out of print and obtainable only at a price which placed it out of the reach of the general reader and ordinary student. Modern research, which has done so much to throw light on certain aspects of the life of William Blake, has also shown that Gilchrist was sometimes in error in the facts he recorded. These have now been corrected and, for the benefit of the student, the editor has supplied a section of notes amplifying the text (including some information not previously published) which should also act as a guide to those who wish to proceed further. The many quotations have been brought into line with the standard text of Blake's writings edited by Mr. Geoffrey Keynes, and the book is illustrated with Blake's woodcuts to Virgil, executed in 1821, which are generally accounted among his finest works. Altogether this new edition of the standard Life of Blake should prove a fitting testament to the great man and his work.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Literary Criticism, Art, Poetry, Romanticism

702 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure I needed to read this because I had already read 100 other biographies and articles about Blake. I was doing an author portfolio on him and so many of my sources referenced this book and I have an obsessive personality, so I felt compelled to read every word ever written about William Blake and to chase down every cross reference. I don't actually like poetry very much, but I was intrigued by Blake's life and ideas and I have been so immersed in him for 10 weeks that he feels like family. This book kind of put him on the map way back when and called him out of obscurity and for that it has value. My portfolio is done (29 pages, phew!)and I will actually miss Mr. Blake. I feel quite connected to his life and work at this point. I imagine my friends and family will be happy to stop hearing about him.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primarily written mid 19th century to familiarize readers with Blake and dispel rumors of his insanity, Gilchrist's carefully researched biography draws from interviews and correspondence to draw a vivid picture of Blake the man. Originally accompanied by an edition of Blake's poetry heavily edited by Dante Gabriel Rosetti.

[Suzanne Hess · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are already acquainted with The Complete Works of William Blake, This text along with William Blake by Kathleen Raine offers a complete study of the artist and visionary.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not easy to read because of when it was written. Focuses more on his artistic/engraving work (which paid the bills) than on his literary work. He lived and died very modestly, with little recognition during his lifetime. Still one of my favorite creatives.

[Vivian Zenari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gilchrist doesn't have much to say about the poetry, which interested me most.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

flawed, dated and responsible for many of the misconceptions in Blake Studies. Yet, indispensable.