The Gates of Paradise (1968)

Title

The Gates of Paradise (1968)

Original Date:

1793, 1820

Facsimile Date:

1968

Publisher:

Trianon Press

Physical Description:

3 volumes ; 15-22 cm.

Background Information:

This work by Blake was first produced in 1793 with the words “For Children” above the title. Around 1820, Blake revised it and replaced “For Children” with “For the Sexes.” Most of the images were repeated, with some revisions and added text in the later edition. For its facsimile in 1968, the Trianon Press chose to reproduce both versions. For Children was reproduced in volume 2, and For the Sexes was reproduced in volume 3. (Volume 1 contains introductory material by Geoffrey Keynes.) Samples from both volumes are included on this website. Union College holds two copies of this work from the Trianon Press. Copy 1, donated by Hans Rozendaal, is a special edition that includes various states of the facsimile work; a negative of the type used in producing it; and a copper plate that reproduces the style of the title page of Blake’s work but is not a replica of it, and which includes an inscription for the copy in hand (number 27). The library’s copy 2 is a regular edition from Trianon and was purchased with annual funds.

Student Commentary:

Overview: This seemingly simple work by William Blake has very few words, but there is a larger meaning. The book details the life course using pictures that children might be able to identify with. Several images involve nature or other children. However, the work as a whole is an examination of the evolution of the human psyche. In very few words, Blake is able to convey the pain of loss, the confusion of growing older, and the possibilities of life after death. – Jessica Rosenthal ‘18

Links

For Children at the William Blake Archive

For the Sexes at the William Blake Archive

Find this Book in Schaffer Library

Source

William Blake@Union Digital Collection