With rare exception, every major study of William Blake’s life and arts includes at leads passing mention of the influences of Emanuel Swedenborg’s theological writings. This anthology is intended as a comprehensive exploration of Emanuel Swedenborg’s influences on the poetry, visual arts, ideas, and life of William Blake, examined from a spectrum of literary, art historical, philosophical, religious, and historical perspectives.

Included are essays by Blake scholar Kathleen Raine about Swedenborg’s influence on Blake’s poetry and descriptions of Blake’s encounters with the Swedenborgian church (a fledgling organization in Blake’s lifetime) by Raymond H. Deck, Robert Hindmarsh, and more.