Poetry.

Songs of Innocence and of Experience is a seminal collection of poetry by William Blake that captures the duality of the human experience through two contrasting visions: innocence and experience. Published in two parts, the poems explore themes of childhood, spirituality, and the loss of innocence amidst a rapidly industrializing society. Blake's unique perspective encourages readers to reflect on the complexities of human existence and the profound impacts of societal norms. The first section, Songs of Innocence, celebrates the purity and joy of childhood, portraying a world filled with wonder and divine presence. Through simple yet profound verses, Blake emphasizes themes of harmony, connection to nature, and the beauty of the untainted soul. Conversely, the second section, Songs of Experience, presents a more somber and critical view of life filled with disillusionment, moral ambiguity, and the harsh realities of adult life. It engages with themes of oppression, social injustice, and the loss of that initial innocence. Blake’s innovative use of imagery and symbolism, combined with his illustrated designs, offers a rich visual and literary experience that confronts readers with the tensions between innocence and experience. Songs of Innocence and of Experience remains a vital exploration of the human condition and a cornerstone of Romantic literature that resonates through generations, inviting contemplation on the complexities we face as we navigate our lives.

A hybrid of Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience that brings poetry, philosophy and spirituality into an all-inclusive text that’s both accessible and enlightening. These selections have an easy-to-follow format that allows readers to smoothly transition from one book to the next. Blake’s writing consists of two parts: one focusing on “innocence” and the other on “experience.” They each feature a group of poems that fit their respective themes. Songs of Innocence highlights the peaceful naiveté of youth, while Songs of Experience emphasizes the loss of purity due to outside influence. Considered one of the greatest British artists to ever live, William Blake’s work is revered by critics and scholars. His illustrative style captivates the reader’s imagination keeping them interested and engaged. Songs of Innocence and of Experience is an essential sampling of his literary contributions and a worthy addition to any poetry collection. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Songs of Innocence and of Experience is both modern and readable.

William Blake is one of England's most original artists whose works aim to liberate imaginative energies. This volume contains his greatest writings and a generous selection from the Prophetic Books including Milton and Jerusalem.

This edition includes almost all Blake's substantive variants with the exception of some in the exceptionally complex manuscript of Vala, or the Four Zoas.

Rethinking Milton’s "Paradise Lost", William Blake examines ‘innocence’ and ‘experience’ in this beautiful collection. "Poems of William Blake" combines three classic books of his essential poetry. In "The Book of Thel", Blake tells the story of Thel who wanders from her home in the Vales of Har to the underground realm of the dead. In the deceptively simple and lyrical "Songs of Innocence" and its counterpoint "Songs of Experience", Blake further explores this dichotomy, juxtaposing poems such as "The Lamb" and "The Tyger", and "The Blossom" and "The Sick Rose". William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker, largely unrecognized in his own lifetime, but now widely acclaimed as a major figure in the history of the poetry and art of the Romantic Age. His major works include "Songs of Innocence", "Songs of Experience", "The Book of Thel", and "Milton: A Poem"