Peter Ackroyd – Blake: A Biography

In his latest work, noted novelist and biographer Ackroyd  writes on the life and influences of 18th-century poet and engraver William Blake. His biography explores in extensive detail the motivations behind Blake’s captivating works. Born into a home built upon a cemetery, in a neighborhood containing an orphanage, an overcrowded hospital, and a workhouse for women, Blake emerged a sensitive, nervous child who saw visions of angels. Like someone who is alone in a crowded room, Blake isolated himself from his family and surrounded himself with peers who shared his love of antiquity. Blake’s life was ruled by contrary images, heaven and hell, agelessness and mortality, and he was even able to write both backward and forward fluently, a skill needed for an engraver. Complemented by an impressive number of illustrations of Blake’s engravings and family and friends, this painstakingly researched biography is a sensitive portrayal of a complicated and talented man.

This book is in Good readable condition. It has been read and may show some age & wear to the wraps/boards, or light creasing/wear to the pages. The binding may show very minimal wear, or be fully intact. Generally, most wear will solely be superficial.

*This came from a former professor’s collection, who used low-tack post-it notes to bookmark/annotate his books. Most of them have been removed, however it is possible that a stray few were overlooked. If this is the case, they are both unobtrusive and easily removable. Additionally, there may be annotations. In most, however not all cases, they are solely in the introduction/foreword. Any clarifying questions should be emailed to tornlight@gmail.com*

*Image in the listing is stock. There may be variation in the actual product.