The Book of Ahania (1973)
Title
The Book of Ahania (1973)
Original Date:
1795
Facsimile Date:
1973
Publisher:
Trianon Press
Physical Description:
6 plates ; 29 cm.
Background Information:
The book of Ahania, composed in 1795, is related to The Book of Los. Blake made one copy of each, then set them aside. The two works represent bits and pieces of Blake’s thought while he was developing his mythology. They also represent his experimentation with printing techniques. For both works he etched the plates with a fine pen, rather than using the relief etching method, which involved the application of acid. Trianon’s facsimile is based on copy A. The Union College copy was purchased by the Friends of the Library.
Student Commentary:
Overview: The Book of Ahania is an allegorical tale that mirrors the book of Exodus. Urizen and Fuzon, his son, engage in a power struggle that results in Fuzon declaring himself to be God. During the struggle, Fuzon ends up nailed to Urizen’s creation, the Tree of Mystery, in a Christ-like image. Urizen also banishes his female counterpart, Ahania, because he believes her sexuality to be sinful. Ahania laments her dissociation from Urizen – Blake’s view being that her qualities are actually essential to creation and divine wisdom. – Jessica Rosenthal ‘18