AMERICA A PROPHECY (Illustrated Edition)

By William Blake

In William Blake's 'America a Prophecy (Illustrated Edition)', the author delves into the complex themes of revolution and spiritual awakening, set against the backdrop of the American Revolution. Blake's literary style, characterized by vivid imagery and lyrical prose, transports the reader into a mystical world where political struggles intertwine with spiritual revelations. The inclusion of illustrations adds a visual layer to the text, enhancing the reader's immersive experience and making the prophetic visions come alive. This work is a prime example of Blake's unique approach to blending poetry and visual art, creating a multi-dimensional reading experience that challenges traditional literary boundaries. The book also provides insight into Blake's visionary beliefs and his critique of societal norms, making it a valuable addition to the study of Romantic literature and political philosophy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Musaicum Books
• Release date: Nov 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9788027231614

William Blake

William Blake was born in London in 1757. He was apprenticed to a master engraver and then studied at the Royal Academy under the guidance of Joshua Reynolds. In 1789 he engraved and published Songs of Innocence and the contrasting Songs of Experience came later in 1794. A poet, painter and printmaker of great originality and imagination, his work was largely unrecognized during his lifetime and he struggled to make a living. Blake is now considered a seminal figure in the history of both the poetry and visual arts of the Romantic Age. He died in 1827.

Book preview

Preludium

Table of Contents

The shadowy daughter of Urthona stood before red Orc.

When fourteen suns had faintly journey’d o’er his dark abode; 

His food she brought in iron baskets, his drink in cups of iron; 

Crown’d with a helmet & dark hair the nameless female stood; 

A quiver with its burning stores, a bow like that of night, 

When pestilence is shot from heaven; no other arms she need: 

Invulnerable tho’ naked, save where clouds roll round her loins, 

Their awful folds in the dark air; silent she stood as night; 

For never from her iron tongue could voice or sound arise; 

But dumb till that dread day when Orc assay’d his fierce embrace.

Dark virgin; said the hairy youth, thy father stern abhorr’d; 

Rivets my tenfold chains while still on high my spirit soars; 

Sometimes an eagle screaming in the sky, sometimes a lion, 

Stalking upon the mountains, & sometimes a whale I