How To Academy Podcast Philip Hoare - The Revolutionary Genius of William Blake
Sep 12, 2025
Join Philip Hoare, a writer and artist passionate about William Blake, as he dives deep into the visionary world of this revolutionary genius. Hoare unpacks Blake's radical artistry and his influence on musical icons like David Bowie. Discover how Blake's rejection of societal norms shaped his timeless themes and innovative techniques. The conversation also reveals Blake's intimate ties to nature and his bold stance against slavery, highlighting the transformative power of art and the enduring legacy he left for future generations.
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How The Book Began
- Philip Hoare shifted a contracted book about Gerard Manley Hopkins into a book about William Blake after personal illness and deep research.
- He describes walking over Blake's grave in Bunhill Fields and feeling like he was treading on Blake's dreams.
Visions Beyond His Time
- Hoare argues Blake's visions were literal experiences that transcended his era and labels of madness.
- Blake's technique and subject matter pushed against commercial and religious constraints, making him ahead of his time.
Blake As Punk Printer
- Blake invented a DIY print method to combine image and text, anticipating modern zines and countercultural production.
- His tradesperson skill as an engraver gave his work an energy intended for wide propagation, not private cabinets.
