Blake and the Methodists

by Michael Farrell

Exploring the work of William Blake within the context of Methodism – the largest 'dissenting' religious group during his lifetime – this book contributes to ongoing critical debates surrounding Blake's religious affinities by suggesting that, contrary to previous thinking, Blake held sympathies with certain aspects of Methodism.

269 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[LINDSAY · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a review of literature rather than a definitive statement of the influence of Methodism or Wesley on Blake. I found it hard going and was looking forward to a conclusion that unified the themes considered in the chapters. However, the conclusion was short and repetitive - not what I expected. Having said that, I expect the book will be useful to scholars in the narrow field of seeking historical influences in religious thought of the period. It is not a book for the religious or the seeker. In some ways, the text reads rather like a PhD thesis in literary criticism, and perhaps that represents another group of readers. My comments are based on having read is once some five years ago and again now. Professor Emeritus Lindsay Falvey