Famously, Blake believed that 'without contraries' there could be no 'progression'.Conflict was integral to his artistic vision, and his style, but it had more to do with critical engagement than any urge to victory. The essays in this volume look at conflict as it marked Blake's thinking on politics, religion and the visual arts."

The idea of the gift, in contrast to concepts of commercial exchange or the exercise of self-interest at the expense of social ties, is integral to the ways in which William Blake thought about his art, and the production and dissemination of his work. Sarah Haggarty offers a sophisticated and thorough account of the idea of the gift in Blake's writing and designs, examining both the theoretical implications of the term, and the way it plays out in specific textual and visual contexts within Blake's works. Elegantly written, thoughtful and closely argued, this book explores particular...

This title examines the idea of 'gift-giving' (as opposed to commercial exchange) to reassess a wide range of issues in the thought and work of William Blake. It addresses the nature of Blake's critique of commercial economics, his ideas regarding sociality, and his own production and dissemination of his work.

Thirty-eight authoritative and lively essays by an international team of scholars examine a full range of Blake's works from lyrical songs to later myth, from writing to artworks, situating them in historical and cultural contexts. Research driven yet accessibly written, the essays will appeal to students, teachers, and academic experts alike.