William Blake: Paradise Lost

Pre-order today! Available January 2027

The first complete, full-color account of William Blake’s magnificent illustrations of Milton’s works, centered around the classic epic of the fall of humankind, Paradise Lost.

John Milton’s poetry played a pivotal role in the development of Blake’s imagination and iconoclastic career, helping to shape his creativity and artistic process and provoking many of his greatest achievements as an artist and writer. 

Coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Blake’s death and an exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum, this lavish volume showcases Blake’s illustrations for all of Milton’s major works as well as Blake’s own epic poem inspired by the canonical poet. In accessible language aimed at the general public and specialists alike, the publication traces Blake’s life and career as he struggled with Milton’s legacy and ideas, using them to articulate his unorthodox interpretations of scripture and establish his place in the history of literature and art. Thematic sections explore Blake’s apocalyptic visions in his illuminated printing and poetry as a prelude to the great Miltonic series of watercolors that dominated the second half of his career. In addition, the book provides an up-close look at Blake’s artistic methods, highlighting new findings about his creative process during the mysterious years of his so-called Dark Age, including his innovative use of gold and silver and experimental watercolor techniques.

Published by the Morgan Library & Museum in association with Rizzoli Electa.

This catalogue accompanies the exhibition William Blake: Paradise Lost on view at the Morgan Library & Museum from February 26 through May 23, 2027.