America, a Prophecy (1963)

Title

America, a Prophecy (1963)

Original Date:

1793, c.1807

Facsimile Date:

1963

Publisher:

Trianon Press

Physical Description:

22 leaves ; 37 cm.

Background Information:

The original work was composed in 1793; this facsimile was made from copy M, dating from around 1807. Union College holds two copies of this work, which were donated by Hans Rozendaal and Walter Tower. Copy 2 is a special edition demonstrating the methodology used by the Trianon Press in creating its facsimiles. It includes a set of 25 hand-colored plates showing progressive stages in the stencil work used to color the plates; seven color collotype proofs; and one original guide sheet and stencil.

Student Commentary:

Overview: America, a Prophecy is the story of Orc, a revolutionary figure, who is hailed as the Messiah and leads America through a revolution against Albion, a dragon king meant to represent the tyrannical King George. Orc represents the revolutionary spirit of the growing independent American nation, and asserts that “the stony law [he stamps] to dust: and scatter[s] religion abroad to the four winds.” It is these insurgent and progressive ideals that cause Albion’s angel to view Orc as the anti-Christ. A long war ensues between America and England. Apart from characters from Blake’s universe, several American historical figures, such as Washington, Franklin, and Hancock, are present in this poem. The war rages on, and fury and rage sweep throughout the American colonies. Eventually, each individual colony embraces the spirit of rebellion and takes arms against Albion and the “law-built heaven” that holds them back from true independence. This is a fascinating commentary on the American revolution using characters that act out King George’s fears for what is to transpire in the coming war. - Jessica Rosenthal '18

Links

Book at the William Blake Archive

Find this Book in Schaffer Library

Source

William Blake@Union Digital Collection