MILTON (ePub)

William Blake (1757-1827) was a seminal figure in the history of the poetry and visual arts of the Romantic Age. Renowned for his expressiveness and creativity, Blake was an artist, poet, and visionary of extraordinary depth and originality. His illuminated works, where text and engravings intertwined, were his distinctive mode of expression, not fully appreciated during his lifetime but celebrated posthumously. 'MILTON: A Poem in Two Books' is a prime example of this, showcasing Blake's innovative use of typography and illustration alongside a narrative exploring themes of self-identity and spiritual journey, as part of his profound engagement with the human condition.

Blake's literary style combined the simplicity and directness of folk ballads with a deep mysticism and prophetic tone, reflecting his personal spiritual beliefs and vision. His poetic works often carried social and existential ponderings, coupled with a ceaseless questioning of convention and authority. Like 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience', his writings frequently juxtaposed the states of innocence and experience, acting as mediums for social critique and personal introspection. Meanwhile, in 'MILTON', Blake delves into a complex interplay of characters and symbolism, reimagining the mythic poet John Milton's return to Earth to reconcile the universal dichotomies of conflict. Through his body of work, Blake laid the groundwork for later generations of artists and writers and continued to shape the fields of poetry, art, and philosophy, securing his place as a pivotal figure in cultural history.