Songs of Innocence and of Experience

The collection features two volumes by William Blake that delve into the contrasting states of the human soul. The first volume, "Songs of Innocence," celebrates the purity and beauty of childhood, while also addressing the vulnerability of the young amidst the harsh realities of the Industrial Age. The second volume, "Songs of Innocence and of Experience," expands on these themes, illustrating the loss of innocence and the burdens of societal pressures. Blake advocates for a rejection of oppressive institutions, urging a return to a simpler, pastoral existence.