The Life of William Blake

by Alexander Gilchrist

One of the greatest Victorian-era biographies, Alexander Gilchrist's The Life of William Blake plays a key role in the history of Blake's work and its influence on other writers and artists. The first standard text on Blake and a cornerstone of the extensive scholarship on his life and work, it not only delivered its subject from unjust obscurity but also dispelled the notion of Blake's insanity and established his genius as a visionary artist and poet.
Sensitive, highly readable accounts trace Blake's childhood and years as an engraver's apprentice, his relations with patrons and employers, his trial for treason, and his declining health and untimely death. The author's wide-ranging research includes interviews with many of Blake's surviving friends, whose personal recollections add warmth and immediacy to this portrait. Extensive quotes from the subject's poetry and prose — practically unknown at the time of the original 1863 publication — further enliven the text. In addition to a critical commentary on Blake's boyhood poems, this transformative biography features more than 40 of his illustrations.

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

650 pages, Kindle Edition

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.