What to read after MILTON?

William Blake's 'MILTON' is a profound engagement with the spiritual and poetic imagination, permeated by the complex interplay between the mortal and the divine. An epic poem wrought between 1804 and 1810, 'MILTON' not only showcases Blake's extraordinary capacity as both poet and visual artist through its accompanying illustrations but also offers a text alive with mythical resonance. Inviting readers into a dialogue with the past, Blake personifies John Milton, channeling him as a heroic figure who traverses from the celestial to the mortal plane to rectify his spiritual missteps. This narrative operates within the rich tapestry of prophetic works, characteristic of Blake's unique literary paradigm, where the didactic intent becomes enlivened by the sheer audacity of its artistic style, interweaving lyricism with a complex mythopoeic framework that defines Blake's oeuvre. A visionary mystic and a seminal figure of the Romantic Age, William Blake's contributions were largely unacknowledged during his lifetime, often deemed idiosyncratic and esoteric. The creation of 'MILTON' serves as an emblematic cipher to Blake's broader meditations on the role of the poet as prophet and the dynamic relationships between poetical ancestors and their successors. Through his text, Blake embarks on a personal quest for spiritual absolution, while simultaneously offering a reflection on the nature of artistic creation. The poem's synthesis of personal narrative with universal concerns about artistic heritage and renewal emanates from Blake's own life experiences, as well as the profound sense of originality that marks his visionary work. Recommended for both literary scholars and enthusiasts of Romantic poetry, 'MILTON' is an indispensable read that transcends its historical context to speak to enduring questions about the creative process, the redemptive power of art, and the eternal dance of inspiration among artists across generations. Its appeal lies not only in the intricacy of its allegorical depths but also in the accessibility of Blake's language—enigmatic yet deeply human. Thus, 'MILTON' stands as a clarion call to those who seek to explore the perennially relevant themes of fall and redemption, the reconciliation of the human spirit with its divine counterpart, and the unyielding potency of poetic legacy.