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William Blake vs the World

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William Blake vs the World

By: John Higgs
Narrated by: John Higgs
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About this listen

'Fascinating' The Times
'Blakeian in its singularity' New Statesman
'A wonderful adventure' Irish Times
'Rich, complex and original' Tom Holland
'A crisp, ambitious and thoroughly contemporary introduction' Times Literary Supplement

Poet, artist, visionary and author of the unofficial English national anthem 'Jerusalem', William Blake is an archetypal misunderstood genius. In this radical new biography, we return to a world of riots, revolutions and radicals, discuss movements from the Levellers of the sixteenth century to the psychedelic counterculture of the 1960s, and explore the latest discoveries in neurobiology, quantum physics and comparative religion to look afresh at Blake's life and work - and, crucially, his mind. Taking the reader on wild detours into unfamiliar territory, John Higgs places the bewildering eccentricities of a most singular artist into context and shows us how Blake can help us better understand ourselves.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 John Higgs (P)2021 Orion Publishing Group Art & Literature Authors Literary History & Criticism Inspiring Heartfelt

Critic reviews

"A glittering stream of revelatory light.... Fascinating." (The Times)

"One of the best books on Blake I have ever read." (David Keenan)

"Absolutely wonderful!" (Terry Gilliam)

All stars
Most relevant
as someone with an interest in Blake , but never having the time to really study him or his life in the detail i want...this book was perfect.
I can't recommend it highly enough.

spectacular

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Expands far beyond just a simple biography of Blake in a way that I found interesting and inspiring

Very thought provoking

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I feel sad that this book is finished. Blake has been a companion on my daily walks for a few weeks and the author's gentle voice added to the pleasure

lovely and inspiring

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Wow. John Higgs's sweeping and breathtaking analysis presents a whole new picture of William Blake - and he is so much more than just a weird and difficult old man. Higgs also explains Blake's beliefs and how they (didn't) fit in with the general thought of different periods, all the way from Blake's own time to today.
John Higgs's range of knowledge, depth of understanding and ability to put everything in context make him a fantastic and fascinating storyteller to whom you could listen endlessly. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read more by John Higgs.

Damn, this was incredible!

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John Higgs writes an insightful Biography that doesn't get bogged down in chronological details and gives a more rewarding deep dive into Blake's philosophy, spirituality and mindset. Complicated theory is well explained with useful comparisons to modern thinking and examples. The outcome is I not only feel I understand Blake but also a lot of the Age of Enlightment and Reason's wider thoughts on religion, society and our place in the universe. A great listen

Blake understanding the misunderstanding

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