On the Road with Penguin Classics

William Blake's poetry with Philip Pullman

Feb 1, 2024

In this insightful conversation, Philip Pullman, renowned author of the His Dark Materials trilogy, delves into the enchanting world of William Blake, a poet who has captivated him for over sixty years. They explore the dualities in Blake's 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', discuss the transformative power of poetry, and examine Blake's radical views on good, evil, and the human experience. Pullman also shares his admiration for Blake's collaborative life with his wife, Catherine, and reflects on the lasting legacy of Blake's visionary artistry.

56:16

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Philip Pullman

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Quick takeaways

Philip Pullman reflects on how William Blake's poetry evokes strong emotions, emphasizing the power of language beyond mere understanding.

Blake's innovative techniques in creating illuminated works reveal his dedication to merging art and poetry, showcasing a unique craftsmanship.

The themes in Blake's writings interconnect social justice with personal experience, advocating for moral responsibility and critique of societal norms.

Deep dives

Understanding William Blake's Legacy

William Blake was a poet and artist whose work was largely unrecognized during his lifetime, selling only a handful of copies of his major works. Despite this, he has had a profound influence on future generations, inspiring celebrated poets and musicians throughout the years. Blake’s poetry, such as 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience,' illustrates the duality of the human soul, contrasting themes of innocence with the harsher realities of experience. This dichotomy resonates in his most famous lines, showing that while he may have been overlooked in his era, his artistic vision and messages have endured and flourished in contemporary culture.

Intro

2min

The Enigma of William Blake

22min

Exploring the Contrasting States in Blake's Poetry

2min

The Creative Partnership of William and Catherine Blake

5min

Radical Visions in Blake's Poetry

14min

William Blake: Myth, Politics, and Legacy

13min

The Legacy of William Blake and Final Resting Place Discovery

3min

William Blake’s poetry and prose. We visit Sir Philip at home to discuss the poet who has ‘inspired and intoxicated’ him for the last sixty years. In Philip’s book-lined sitting room we discuss Blake’s most loved works: his Songs of Innocence and of Experience, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell and Auguries of Innocence.

Pullman has written frequently about Blake and previously served as President of the William Blake Society.

Blake’s Selected Poems (Penguin Classics edition)

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/33866/selected-poems-blake-by-william-blake-ed-professor-g-e-bentley-series-editor--christopher-ricks/9780140424461

https://apple.co/48HX8yM

Naxos Audiobooks edition of Blake’s poetry, read by Robert Glenister, Michael Maloney and Stephen Critchlow

https://naxosaudiobooks.com/blake-william-selections/

https://apple.co/3tRg676

Sir Philip Pullman

https://www.philip-pullman.com/

Daemon Voices by Philip Pullman

https://www.davidficklingbooks.com/shop/ItemDetails.php?pubID=190

https://apple.co/4aVkHpC