First published in 1988, this book is a study of all Blake s work in illuminated printing. It traces in particular, the development of his ideas on politics, religion, sexuality, and the imagination. There are substantial sections on some of Blake s best-known works, including "the Marriage of Heaven and Hell, "and the "Songs of Innocence and Experience," and full critical essays on "the Four Zoas "and "Jerusalem."

The book describes the historical contexts of Blake s work, and sets it in relation to the political controversies of his age as these are reflected in the writings of Burke,...