William Blake (1757–1827) was born in London and is one of the most singular figures in the history of English literature and visual art. Working as an engraver, he produced his poetry as illuminated books — hand-lettered and illustrated — of which Songs of Innocence (1789) and Songs of Experience (1794) are the most widely known. His prophetic books, including The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (c. 1790) and Milton (c. 1804–1811), develop an elaborate personal mythology opposing institutional religion and materialist philosophy. Almost entirely unrecognized as a poet during his lifetime, his posthumous reputation grew steadily; he is now considered a foundational figure of Romanticism and a visionary artist of extraordinary originality.