How Well Do You Know "Jerusalem"? Quiz

Answer:

The English poet and artist William Blake was born in the Soho area of London in 1757. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the engraver James Basire, and in 1779 began studies at the newly founded Royal Academy of Arts. He was initially better known as an artist and engraver but published his first book of verse, "Poetical Sketches", in 1783. Many of his later writings, both poetry and prose, were produced in relief-etched editions illustrated by himself. He died in 1827 at the age of 69 in his house just off the Strand, less than a mile from the site of his birth.

The poem now commonly known as "Jerusalem" first appeared as part of the preface to his 1808 "Milton: A Poem in Two Books". The poem does not have a separate printed title and was at first generally known as "And did those feet in ancient time", after its first line. It only became popularly known as "Jerusalem" after it had been famously set to music by Hubert Parry in 1916. Since then, it has become something of an unofficial English national anthem and is popular at such diverse occasions as sporting events, weddings, Women's Institute meetings, and the "Last Night of the Proms".

The short poem should not be confused with the more substantial work Blake wrote between 1804 and 1820, entitled "Jerusalem: The Emanation of the Giant Albion". This work comprises 100 etched and coloured prints and Blake considered it to be his masterpiece. Because of the labour-intensive production process, only six copies were produced during his lifetime, each one slightly different.