WIDENER DISPLAYS POETRY AND DRAWINGS OF WILLIAM BLAKE

On display this week in the Widener Memorial Room are many works of William Blake. Among these are three original watercolor drawings: "America, a Prophesy", drawn by him, and for some unknown reason never published; Death's Door", and "The Union of the Soul and Body."

A book, "Night Thoughts", written by Edward Young, with illustrations drawn by Blake is of especial interest because it is one of the very few ever colored by him. "The Book of Job" and other Biblical books illustrated by Blake are also in the showcases this week.

A copy of Blair's "The Grave", for which "Death's Door" and "The Union of the Soul and Body" were painted by Blake, is also on display.

Perhaps the most valuable book in the display is Blake's "Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience". Blake wrote the poetry in this book, ilustrated and printed it, and he and his wife colored it.