William Blake and the Myths of Britain

by J. Whittaker

Overview

William Blake and the Myths of Britain is the first full-length study of Blake's use of British mythology and history. From Atlantis to the Deists of the Napoleonic Wars, this book addresses why the eighteenth century saw a revival of interest in the legends of the British Isles and how Blake applied these in his extraordinary prophetic histories of the giant Albion, revitalising myths of the Druids and Joseph of Arimathea bringing Christ to Albion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333738962
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	06/03/1999
Edition description:	1999
Pages:	215
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jason Whittaker is Lecturer in English with Media Studies at Falmouth College of Arts.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements List of Abbreviations Introduction: The Matter of Britain Origins The Voice of the Bard Druids, Deism and Patriachy The Monuments of Albion Visions of History Notes Index

Editorial Reviews

From Atlantis to the Deists of the Napoleonic Wars, Whittaker (English, Falmouth College of Art) describes the revival of interest in the legends of Britain during the 18th century and how Black applied them in his prophetic histories of the giant Albion. He points out that myths such as the Druids and the songs of Ossian were often used to justify overseas conquests, Blake appropriated a radical view of antiquarian history by exploiting links between the human sacrifices of ancient tyrants and those of contemporary wars. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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