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galuf84's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoy the early poetry and the politics of Blake. I dont like the strange mythos in the Prophecies though I do see his attacks on capitalism as kind of mystical insight into the more scientific opponents of capital in the 19th century shortly after his death.
welkinvault's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
4.25
cwhalen1988's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kevinalbrecht's review against another edition
3.0
Well, William Blake week has come to an end. Although I had already been a fan of Blake for a long time, I had never read a large body of his work, so my impression of his work was definitely changed by the experience. I discovered how his body of work is quite philosophical and political, which brought me to respect his work in a whole new way. Among the philosophical poems that I found particularly moving are "The Fly" and the particularly simple but poignant "Epiphany":
He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy;
But he who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in eternity’s sun rise.
He expresses his liberal political views in "London" and "The Human Abstract", which introduced me to a side of him I was completely unaware of. I learned how sometimes a simple facade can hide deep meaning and beautiful artistry beneath its surface.
I do not personally recommend this book as an introduction to Blake's work. Instead start with "Songs of Innocence and Experience", which contains his best work.
See review on my blog:
http://lifeanepicpoem.blogspot.com/2009/03/impressions-william-blake.html
He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy;
But he who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in eternity’s sun rise.
He expresses his liberal political views in "London" and "The Human Abstract", which introduced me to a side of him I was completely unaware of. I learned how sometimes a simple facade can hide deep meaning and beautiful artistry beneath its surface.
I do not personally recommend this book as an introduction to Blake's work. Instead start with "Songs of Innocence and Experience", which contains his best work.
See review on my blog:
http://lifeanepicpoem.blogspot.com/2009/03/impressions-william-blake.html
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