Jots & Tittles

Blake at the Met

William Blake (1757–1827), one of England’s greatest poets, was also one of the most striking artists of his day. An exhibit of 181 works at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, on view until June 24, concentrates on Blake the visual artist. The exhibit features Blake’s work in various media—drawings, paintings and prints—and includes selections from all of his illuminated books, including The Songs of Innocence and of Experience (which contains his celebrated poem, “The Tyger”). Biblical and religious themes permeated Blake’s work; the exhibit contains scores of examples, including a color print of the Babylonian ruler Nebuchadnezzar and a watercolor of “The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins,” an illustration of Matthew 25:1–13.

Pop Goes the Bible

Ever since Ezra read aloud to the assembly of Israelites and Saint Paul wrote his epistles to scattered Christians, people have been searching for ways to make the Bible understandable to as wide an audience as possible. Four volumes in the Complete Idiot’s Guide series (to Biblical Mysteries, Understanding Judaism, the Life of Jesus and the Bible) are some of the latest attempts to achieve this goal.