Songs Of Innocence and Experience - William Blake

William Blake (1757 – 1827) is possibly one of the most cherished poets the English language has ever brought forth. Blake has been called a seer, a prophet, a maniac, a visionary, a spokesman and an artist: but he was also a poet. To give a feeling of his entire work would be an incredibly difficult feat and I am certainly not qualified in any way to do so, not least because I struggle to read some of the famous “prophetic” poetry, just as many of us do in these most irreligious of days. However, I do have enormous respect for the man and his work and the sheer enormity of influence his work ... more

Songs of Innocence and Experience is Blake's best known work. Born into poverty in London in 1757, Blake nevertheless went to an art school and was apprenticed to an engraver. He had little formal education other than this however. It was there that he developed his breathaking techniques of engraving, which are central to his poetry. If you can, get a copy of these poems with the engravings, otherwise you are missing out on a truly wonderful experience. (This is not to say that this book is not worth reading in its own right). The eighteenth century was a turbulent time. Revolution was ... more

No words can do justice to Blake and his poetry. His apparently simple compositions, that comprise Songs of Innocence and Experience, contain so much spiritual meaning. There are very few books that can touch you quite as much. Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience (1794) juxtapose the innocent, pastoral world of childhood against an adult world of corruption and repression. Many of the poems fall into pairs, so that the same situation or problem is seen through the eyes of innocence first and then experience. The collection as a whole explores the value and limitations of two different ... more

Songs of Innocence and of Experience is an enlightening piece of literature. Blake is a visionary well ahead of his times in his opinions on sexism, racism, individualism, religion, free love, sexuality, equality, unity etc etc. Blake was inspired by the old testement and christianity but his views were so radical and controversial that he was ostriced by the christians of his time. Songs of innocence and of experience reflects this in many of its poems (songs). Have you ever read the tyger? (tiger tiger burning bright...) or the lamb (little lamb who made thee...) or heard the hymn jerusalem ... more

If you enjoy very linguistically difficult poetry then I am not sure that this is the collection for you. However, if you like deep poetry which is accessible to you and your children then this book is great. Many of the students at my school study it at A level and love it but this does not mean that this book is only for the academic, quite the opposite is true! Blake was writting for children which means his work is just as applicable to children as it is for the politically minded adult. I studied this collection myself when I was at school and I still read it now. "My heart is at rest ... more