Like us, William Blake lived in a tumultuous era of warfare, discontent, rapid technological change, and a deepening estrangement of humanity from nature. He exposed the dark sides of political fervour and social moralising, while unashamedly celebrating love and liberty. But he also conversed with prophets and angels, and was powerfully, if unconventionally, religious. If we take this seriously—not easy, in secular times—then Blake can help us to unlock the transformative power of imagination and help us find our way out of our anxiety and towards the bliss of the infinite.
PARTICIPANTS
Mark Vernon is a writer, psychotherapist and former Anglican priest. He contributes to programmes on the radio, writes and reviews for newspapers and magazines, gives talks and frequently podcasts. His books cover themes including friendship and God, Dante, ancient Greek philosophy and wellbeing. He has a PhD in ancient Greek philosophy, and other degrees in physics and in theology. His new book is Awake!: William Blake and the Power of the Imagination.
Adam Walker is an award-winning educator whose teaching has earned several awards of distinction from the Harvard College Office of Undergraduate Education. He is an academic and public-humanities educator with expertise in English and American literature. He is the founder of Versed poetry community. He lives with his wife, Deryn, in Cambridge, MA, where he is at work on his two book projects.
