This book is a captivating account of the life and work of the brilliant London poet, painter, and engraver William Blake (1757-1827). The award-winning biographer and writer Peter Ackroyd reveals the true nature of Blake's life and art: He rejects the claim that Blake's visionary – both poetic and visual – work is merely a precursor to English Romanticism, interpreting it with particular emphasis on the distant yet close past from which it emerged.

By refuting the baseless accusation of Blake's "madness," Ackroyd offers us a profound, well-documented, and comprehensive portrait of the poet, painter, and engraver, where imagination, inventiveness, tireless work, and a solid knowledge of past art are established as the key traits that Blake combined to create his work.

William Blake, who faced ridicule and marginalization in his time, now belongs among the giants of world art, a position that Ackroyd convincingly demonstrates he unquestionably deserves.

“Dense, clear, and brilliant […] it will surely remain a classic in its genre.” Harpers & Queen

“A wonderful, imaginative work […] mesmerizing.” Ruth Rendell

“Delightful […] possesses all the relaxing power and psychological intensity of a fictional work.” Daily Telegraph

“Brilliant and profound […] it will provide knowledge to many readers and make them reread the poems.” John Carey, Sunday Times