The William Blake Archive is an all-inclusive collection of Blake’s works, from his commercial book illustrations to his manuscripts and typographical works; however, there is much more than that on this site, including biographical information and links to outside sources. Found at http://www.blakearchive.org/, the site originated at The Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities in 1996 and is currently maintained by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Rochester. Editors Morris Eaves, Robert N. Essick, and Joseph Viscomi have taken the lead in running the site and have also worked together to put out two of the six-volume Blake Trust collection of his illuminated books.
The site is structured in an easy-to-navigate format that is basic enough that even the most unpracticed internet user could decipher. With plainly stated links on the home page to the works of the archive and a tour of the archive, the site is basic in format and easy to traverse. There is also a link to search the archive for quick access to whatever work one might be looking for, as well as a link on the bottom simply called “Help” for anyone who might need extra guidance navigating the archives.
The site is an extremely thorough collection of all of Blake’s known works, like the companion poems “The Tyger” and “The Lamb” and the illustrations he did for Dante’s Divine Comedy, making it the perfect resource for anyone interested in Blake’s legacy. Its simple structure keeps it user-friendly and allows for quick access to essays, reviews, and biographies written and published by Blake scholars. The archive is sponsored by EdSitement, NEH’s Top Humanities Websites and the Library of Congress, further verifying its credibility. The William Blake Archive is used worldwide, and is the perfect source for the student, teacher, or expert looking to access Blake’s works or learn more about him.
Works Cited
“The William Blake Archive Homepage.” The William Blake Archive. Ed. Morris Eaves, Robert N. Essick, and Joseph Viscomi. N.p., 1996. Web. 17 Oct. 2013.
English Research Sources 