An Evening with Mark Vernon - Hampstead, London

We are delighted to be welcoming philosopher and psychotherapist Mark Vernon to discuss his latest book, Awake!: William Blake and the Power of the Imagination.Exploring Blake's passionate writings, arresting artworks and fascinating life, Vernon illuminates the brilliant thinker's worldview. Like us, he lived in a tumultuous era of war, discontent, rapid technological change, and human estrangement from nature. He exposed the dark sides of political fervour and social moralising, while unashamedly celebrating love and liberty. But he also conversed with prophets and angels, and 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 imagination.

Written for both longstanding fans and unfamiliar readers, Awake! reveals Blake as an invigorating and hopeful guide for our modern age.A new look at the life, works and enduring relevance of William Blake, a deeply spiritual and politically radical figure.