William Blake in the Desolate MarketExperience taught William Blake that "Wisdom is sold in the desolate market where none come to buy." His brilliant achievements as a poet, painter, and engraver brought him public notice, but little income. William Blake in the Desolate Market records how Blake, the most original of all the major English poets, earned his living. G. E. Bentley Jr, the dean of Blake scholars, details the poet's occupations as a commercial engraver, print seller,