Blake and the Methodists Author:Michael Farrell Blake and the Methodists explores the work of the poet and painter William Blake (1757-1827) within the context of Methodism ? the largest 'dissenting' religious group during his lifetime ? and contributes to ongoing critical debates surrounding Blake's religious affinities by suggesting that, contrary to previous thinking, Blake held sympathies... more » with certain aspects of Methodism, particularly as it was preached by its founder-member, John Wesley. Farrell suggests that Blake's theology is essentially eclectic in combining different aspects of doctrine and practice from diverse religious and mystical traditions, and argues for a less radicalised perception of the writer's theological outlook than has previously been surmised by scholars.« less