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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
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
4.25
cwhalen1988's review
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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