Blake, William: - William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker, whose visionary works and radical ideas set him apart as one of the most original and influential figures in Western literature and art. Born in London, Blake's poetry often explored profound themes of spirituality, innocence, experience, and the human condition, often using vivid and symbolic language. His most famous works include Songs of Innocence and of Experience, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, and Jerusalem, which blend mysticism, politics, and critique of societal norms. A deeply spiritual and unconventional thinker, Blake was often ahead of his time, with his works challenging the established religious, political, and artistic conventions of the 18th century. His poetry and artwork, rich in symbolism and personal mythologies, have had a lasting influence on generations of poets, artists, and thinkers.