Who is William Blake?

William Blake was born in London on November 28 1757. Only going to school until the age of ten only learned to read and write before leaving.  At a young age William claimed to see God, and angels in a tree. From an early age the Bible had a large influence on Blake and would later in life go on to use the Bible to aid him in his writing. At the age of 21 Blake became a professional engraver with the help of James Basire, A well known engraver. Blake was mostly known for his intaglio engravings. This is when an image is burned into a copper plate. In 1782 Blake married Catherine Sophia Boucher who he taught to read and write. They never had any kids and lived a happy life. In the year 1783 Poetical Sketches, Blake’s first collection of poems was released. This is what started Blake on writing Poetry. Later in life Blake attend The Royal Academy For 6 years where he learned to perfect his writing and painting skills. At school Blake never painted what others thought was the right thing to paint, He looked up to his earlier influences such as Michelangelo and Raphael. After the death of Blake’s father James, him and close friend James Parker opened up a print shop in which they created their paintings and poems. Blake’s view on religion is very particular; he believes that there should be no type of organized religion. He believes that religion should be on a more spiritual and deeper level.