The Book of Thel

The Book of Thel was written and etched by William Blake in 1789. It is one of his prophetic illuminated books, crafted after Songs of Innocence but before The Marriage of Heaven and Hell. Blake’s recognition as an influential figure in the British Romantic literary movement only came after his death. The Book of Thel is a narrative, allegorical, and symbolic poem written in 14-syllable lines. Its themes include the expansiveness of God’s love, interconnectedness through death, and fearing the loss of innocence.

Poet Biography

William Blake was born in 1757 in London. From a young age, he had “visions” of angels and exhibited artistic talent. After attending drawing school, Blake became an apprentice to engraver James Basire for seven years. In 1779, Blake worked as a journeyman copy engraver for various publishers. He simultaneously studied painting at The Royal Academy of Art. Blake married Catherine Boucher in 1782.

In 1788, Blake invented relief etching and used this technique in his illuminated books. While creating his own books and manuscripts, Blake continued to commercially engrave illustrations for book publishers; he had a hand in engraving texts by Mary Wollstonecraft and John Gabriel Stedman.