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L I N K S
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Blake's father, a prosperous hosier, encouraged young Blake's artistic tastes and sent him to drawing school. At 14 he was apprenticed to James Basire, an engraver, with whom he stayed until 1778. He set up as an engraver after attending the Royal Academy. In 1782 he married Catherine Boucher, whom he taught to read, write, and draw. She became his inseparable companion, assisting him in nearly all his work. In 1783, his book Poetical Sketches was published. He originated a method of engraving text and illustration on the same plate and the books after Poetical Sketches he engraved and published his books himself.
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--Introduction