Awake!: William Blake and the Power of the Imagination by Mark Vernon ISBN 9781805263777, 1805263773, B0FGD5N4V1 instant download

Awake!: William Blake and the Power of the Imagination by Mark Vernon ISBN 9781805263777, 1805263773, B0FGD5N4V1 instant download

In the 200 years since Blake's death, the visionary artist, poet and writer has become a household name, often beloved. Yet many struggle to comprehend his kaleidoscopic ideas; how they speak to human longings and the challenges of living in anxious times.

Philosopher and psychotherapist Mark Vernon provides a fresh route into Blake, taking him at his word. Exploring this brilliant thinker's passionate writings, arresting artworks and fascinating life, Vernon illuminates Blake's vivid worldview. Like us, he lived in a tumultuous era of war, discontent, rapid technological change, and human estrangement from nature. He exposed the dark sides of political fervour and social moralising, while unashamedly celebrating love and liberty. But he also conversed with prophets and angels, and was powerfully, if unconventionally, religious. If we take this seriously--not easy, in secular times--then Blake can help us to unlock the transformative power of imagination.

Written for both longstanding fans and unfamiliar readers, Awake! reveals Blake as an invigorating and hopeful guide for our modern age.

Book Description

A new look at the life, works and enduring relevance of William Blake, a deeply spiritual and politically radical figure. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

Review

"The best overall study of Blake I have encountered in a very long time. Rich and energetic, it brings together detailed readings of familiar (and not so familiar) poems with sharp contemporary application, and the deep insights of a therapist well-seasoned in finding a path through dreams. A joy to read, well worthy of its extraordinary hero." -- Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury

"I can't think of many writers today who make Christianity look like something worth getting involved with. Rowan Williams is one, Mark Vernon another. When I read them, I feel excited by the possibility of a mind and soul transformed. This book, an exploration of the art and thought of perhaps t