[Prospectus]
TO
THE PUBLIC
October
10, 1793.
The
Labours of the Artist, the Poet, the Musician, have been proverbially attended
by poverty and obscurity; this was never the fault of the Public, but was owing
to a neglect of means to propagate such works as have wholly absorbed the Man
of Genius. Even Milton and Shakespeare could not publish their own works.
This
difficulty has been obviated by the Author of the following productions now
presented to the Public; who has invented a method of Printing both Letter-press
and Engraving in a style more ornamental, uniform, and grand, than any before
discovered, while it produces works at less than one fourth of the expense.
If
a method of Printing which combines the Painter and the Poet is a phenomenon
worthy of public attention, provided that it exceeds in elegance all former
methods, the Author is sure of his reward.
Mr.
Blake's powers of invention very early engaged the attention of many persons of
eminence and fortune; by whose means he has been regularly enabled to bring
before the Public works (he is not afraid to say) of equal magnitude and
consequence with the productions of any age or country: among which are two
large highly finished engravings (and two more are nearly ready) which will
commence a Series of subjects from the Bible, and another from the History of
England.
The
following are the Subjects of the several Works now published and on Sale at
Mr. Blake's, No. 13, Hercules Buildings, Lambeth.
Begin
Page 693
1. Job, a Historical
Engraving. Size 1 ft.7 1/2 in. by 1 ft. 2 in.: price 12s.
2. Edward and Elinor, a
Historical Engraving. Size 1 ft. 6 1/2 in. by 1 ft.: price 10s. 6d.
3. America, a Prophecy, in
Illuminated Printing. Folio, with 18 designs: price 10s. 6d.
4. Visions of the Daughters
of Albion, in Illuminated Printing. Folio, with 8 designs, price 7s. 6d.
5. The Book of Thel, a Poem
in Illuminated Printing. Quarto, with 6 designs, price 3s.
6. The Marriage of Heaven
and Hell, in Illuminated Printing. Quarto, with 14 designs, price 7s. 6d.
7. Songs of Innocence, in
Illuminated Printing. Octavo, with 25 designs, price 5s.
8. Songs of Experience, in
Illuminated Printing. Octavo, with 25 designs, price 5s.
9. The History of England,
a small book of Engravings. Price 3s.
10. The Gates of Paradise,
a small book of Engravings. Price 3s.
The
Illuminated Books are Printed in Colours, and on the most beautiful wove paper
that could be procured,
No Subscriptions for the numerous great works now in hand are asked, for none are wanted; but the Author will produce his works, and offer them to sale at a fair price.