Experience taught William Blake that "Wisdom is sold in the desolate market where none come to buy." His brilliant achievements as a poet, painter, and engraver brought him public notice, but little income. William Blake in the Desolate Market records how Blake, the most original of all the major English poets, earned his living. G.E. Bentley Jr, the dean of Blake scholars, details the poet's occupations as a commercial engraver, print-seller, teacher, copperplate printer, painter, publisher, and...

Poet, painter, engraver, and mystic, William Blake (1757-1827) is unequalled for the imaginary force and visionary power of his works. This fascinating book collects all the known documentary records relating to Blake's long and productive life. Distinguished Blake expert, G. E. Bentley, Jr., editor of the first edition of Blake Records and Blake Records Supplement, brings together new and updated material on Blake's life, career, family, friends, and patrons. The result of decades...

G.E. Bentley, Jr., tells us that although Blake struggled with the ways of the world in his youth and early manhood, he was always frustrated that these ways were not his own. Instead he spoke the language of radical religious dissent, standing outside the popular political and social conventions of his time and lamenting the power of Church and State. Blake learned to participate in traditions of vision and piety, to exult in the power of the spirit and in visionary art and literature. He created...