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One of 480 copies, folio size, unpaginated [27 plates and 4 pp. of commentary]. "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell", first published around 1794, is unlike the other Illuminated Books, being written in prose and lacking a central theme. The text endeavors to preface the philosophy of Blake's later books using paradox and satire. As explained by Keynes in his Bibliographical Statement, "God, Heaven, and Good he believed were the masks of reason and materialism, supporting restraint by law and formal religion. Satan, Hell, and Evil were the opposed forces of the imagination, poetic inspiration and free energy, typified paradoxically by the figures of Christ and Milton, both of whom were on the side of the free 'Devil' of art and imagination. The union, therefore, of Body and Spirit and the flowering of man's creative genius, in other words the Marriage of Heaven and Hell, would result from faith and freedom, not from reason and restraint." William Blake (1757 - 1827) is arguably the most original and highly-regarded English author - unusual in that he excelled both as an author and an artist. Although thought mad by his contemporaries, he was held in high regard for his expressiveness and for the synthesis of philosophical and mystical senses within his work. Blake s work has been spectacularly reproduced through the pochoir technique by Arnold Fawkus and his Trianon Press, which has an undeniable claim to being the finest press of its kind in the last century and has long been known for their unrivaled artworks in fine colour printing. ___DESCRIPTION: Original quarter green morocco with hand-marbled paper sides, top-edge gilt, backstrip lettered in gilt, twenty-seven colour plates reproduced by the collotype and pochoir processes, printed on Arches pure rag paper made to match the paper used by Blake, each page is watermarked with Blake's monogram, folio 15" by 10 3/4", limited edition, this no. 439 of 480 copies of the regular edition (526 copies total). Housed in publisher's slipcase of the same hand-marbled paper with morocco guards at the head and tail of the opening. ___CONDITION: A fine copy, internally bright and free of prior owner markings, covers are clean except for minor sun-toning to backstrip, corners are straight, text block is tight and square; overall a fine copy. Slipcase near fine, strong and sturdy, the paper sides clean and free of wear; the morocco guards rubbed, else fine. ___CITATION: Bentley, Blake Books, 107. ___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard shipping charge does not always cover costs; please inquire for details. ___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help.

An influential work by Blake that presents a vision of Heaven and Hell that defies traditional theological perspectives.