SELECTED AND INTRODUCED BY PATTI SMITH

William Blake is one of Britain's most fascinating writers, who, as well as being a groundbreaking poet, is also well known as a painter, engraver, radical and mystic. Although Blake was dismissed as an eccentric by his contemporaries, his powerful and richly symbolic poetry has been a fertile source of inspiration to the many writers and artists who have followed in his footsteps. In this collection Patti Smith has collected together her personal selection of Blake's poems, including the complete poems from the famousSongs of InnocenceandSongs of Experience, to give a singular picture of this unique genius.

William Blake was born on 28 November 1757 in London. Instead of being sent to school he was given drawing classes from a young age.When he was fourteen he was apprenticed to the engraver James Basire and he later went on to work as an engraver, illustrator, printer and drawing teacher. In 1779 he became a student at the Royal Academy. In 1782 he married Catherine Boucher who was to become a great support to him throughout his life.His first collection of poems,Poetical Sketcheswas published in 1793. In 1789 he publishedSongs of Innocencewhich was followed bySongs of Experiencein 1793. In the early 1800s he wrote his epic prophetic poemsMiltonandJerusalem. He developed his own practice of illustrating his poetical works with his own etchings, producing beautifully illuminated editions. Blake's political beliefs were controversial for the times; he supported the French Revolution, condemned slavery and the subjugation of women. His religious beliefs were also idiosyncratic and he reported seeing visions of angels at various points in his life. Blake died, poor and in obscurity on 12 August 1827.

'Those who control their passions do so because their passions are weak enough to be controlled' William Blake

>