Theatre & Arts
Mark Vernon talk: Awake! William Blake and the Power of the Imagination.

Friday, June 20th, 2025

Mark Vernon talk: Awake! William Blake and the Power of the Imagination.

Pusey House St Giles' Oxford OX1 3LZ United Kingdom

Details

Talk by philosopher Mark Vernon on his new book: Awake!: William Blake and the Power of the Imagination.
Time:
7:45pm start - 9pm finish, followed by house party in Jericho (further details at the talk).
Location:
Hood Room, Pusey House, Oxford. [St Cross College]
Date:
20th June 2025
Sponsors:
Jericho Wawa
&
El Exquisito
magazines.
Jericho Wawa
has a Blake themed edition this Trinity Term and invites you to an end of term talk by philosopher Mark Vernon, on the topic of William Blake and the Power of the Imagination. Encounter one of the greatest poets and artists in English literature. Learn how we can comprehend his kaleidoscopic ideas. Jericho Wawa's Trinity edition features a leading article by Mark Vernon about William Blake, which this talk will elaborate on.
Mark Vernon takes Blake at his word. He uses his vivid writings, arresting artworks and fascinating life to illuminate Blake's
Imagination-c
entred
worldview. A worldview formed in a tumultuous era of war, discontent, rapid technological change, and human estrangement from nature.
In response Blake declared love and liberty, but also said that he conversed with prophets and angels. He was powerfully, if unconventionally, religious. If we take this seriously--not easy, in secular times--then Blake can help us to unlock the transformative power of the Imagination.
This
in-person event
will take place at the historic Pusey House, Oxford, providing an exemplary setting for an exploration of Blake's visionary work. Reserve your spot now!
Mark's new book,
available for sale & signing at the event
, is written for both longstanding fans and unfamiliar readers,
Awake!
reveals Blake as an invigorating and hopeful guide for our modern age.
Jericho Wawa
invites you to a house party in Jericho following this event, with the opportunity for discussion with the speaker. Details provided at the talk. The Jericho Wawa Trinity issue - featuring Mark's article on Blake - will be available for purchase there.
This event is generously sponsored by
El Exquisito
. You are invited to read their interview with Mark, published in Spanish, at
Mark Vernon Interview
Reviews
‘The best overall study of Blake I have encountered in a very long time. Rich and energetic, it brings together detailed readings of familiar (and not so familiar) poems with sharp contemporary application, and the deep insights of a therapist well-seasoned in finding a path through dreams. A joy to read, well worthy of its extraordinary hero.’
--
Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury
'At this moment, we need the voice of Blake―however strange and wild it often seems―more than ever. He is one of those untimely prophets who have the power to make us see reality anew in every epoch. Vernon is a particularly sensitive reader of the great man, one who knows how to communicate Blake's vision with rare clarity.'
--
David Bentley Hart, philosopher, cultural commentator and author

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