Author
William Wordsworth
1770-1850
William Wordsworth (1770-1850) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by William Wordsworth
Lyrical Ballads, With a Few Other Poems (1798)
"Lyrical Ballads, With a Few Other Poems (1798)" by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a poetry collection published in 1798. This landmark work marks the beginning of English Romanticism, revolutionizing poetry by rejecting elaborate eighteenth-century forms in favor of everyday language and common people as subjects. Wordsworth contributed most poems, while Coleridge added four, including "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." The collection explores humanity's return to nature's purity, challenging literary conventions and making poetry accessible to ordinary readers through rustic ballads and conversational verse.
The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 3 (of 8)
"The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 3 (of 8)" by William Wordsworth is a collection of poems written in the early 19th century. This volume showcases Wordsworth's exploration of themes such as nature, emotion, and human experience through a variety of poetic forms, including lyrical pieces and reflective stanzas. The collection includes well-known poems like "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" and "She Was a Phantom of Delight," highlighting the poet's deep connection to the natural world and the complexities of human feelings. At the start of the volume, the reader is introduced to an array of poems reflecting Wordsworth’s distinct style and thematic interests. The opening portion includes pieces that celebrate the beauty of nature, as seen in "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," where the poet finds joy in the sight of daffodils swaying in the breeze. The poem "She Was a Phantom of Delight" reveals the contemplation of love and admiration through vivid imagery. Additionally, "The Affliction of Margaret" presents a poignant exploration of maternal grief and longing, showcasing Wordsworth’s ability to capture deep emotional experiences. The opening clearly sets the stage for a rich journey through poetic expressions of both joy and sorrow, making the collection appealing to readers who appreciate reflective and nature-inspired poetry.
The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 4 (of 8)
"The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 4 (of 8)" by William Wordsworth is a collection of poetry, likely written in the early 19th century. This volume features a variety of poems that reflect Wordworth's deep connection to nature, personal reflections, and commentary on societal issues, showcasing the themes of beauty, morality, and the human experience. Central to the work is the exploration of natural landscapes and the emotional journeys that accompany various life experiences. The opening of the collection introduces readers to Wordsworth's contemplative style and his appreciation for the simplicity of life, as seen in his poem "To the Spade of a Friend," where he honors a friend's agricultural diligence. He celebrates the steady, honest labors of the working class while also expressing his admiration for nature's beauty and its impact on the human spirit. Through varied forms such as sonnets and longer verses, Wordsworth captures moments of reflection, pain, and joy, inviting readers into a dialogue with the natural world and the complexities of existence. The poems serve not just as artistic expressions, but also as meditations on life, friendship, and the quest for truth.
The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 7 (of 8)
"The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 7" by William Wordsworth is a collection of poetry written during the early 19th century. This volume prominently features the "Ecclesiastical Sonnets," a series of poems reflecting on the history of the Church of England, its introduction, and its subsequent developments over the years. Wordsworth's exploration transcends just historical narrative, delving into themes of spirituality, morality, and the cultural implications of religious practices and institutions. At the start of the volume, Wordsworth provides context for the "Ecclesiastical Sonnets," explaining their inspiration stemming from discussions about the Church and its influence on British society. The opening section presents a series of sonnets addressing various aspects of Christianity's history in England, beginning with its introduction and the responses of the Druids, leading through to conflicts and recoveries within the Church's narrative. The poems serve not only as reflections on historical events but as meditations on the spiritual journeys and struggles faced by individuals and communities in their quest for faith and understanding in the evolving landscape of Christianity.
The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 1 (of 8)
"The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 1 (of 8)" by William Wordsworth is a comprehensive collection of poetry written in the late 19th century. This volume serves as an edited repository of Wordsworth's works, focusing on his poetic evolution and the contextual background of each piece. The edition highlights the beauty of nature, human emotions, and philosophical reflections, which are characteristic themes throughout Wordsworth's oeuvre. The opening portion of this volume sets the stage for readers by presenting an extensive table of contents that outlines the works included in this edition. In the preface, the editor discusses the goals behind this compilation, emphasizing its aim to chronologically arrange Wordsworth's poems and provide a wealth of supplementary information about their backgrounds. The text indicates that the edition includes notes and appendices to enhance the reader’s understanding of Wordsworth's creative journey, while also correcting past editorial mistakes and celebrating the poet's exploration of nature and human experience. This introduction establishes a foundation for appreciating Wordsworth's work in a richer context.
The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 8 (of 8)
"The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 8 (of 8)" by William Wordsworth is a comprehensive collection of poetry written in the early to mid-19th century. This volume features various poems, including sonnets, elegies, and reflective pieces that explore themes of nature, loss, and the complexities of human emotion. Wordsworth's work often focuses on personal experiences and is characterized by its deep connection to the English countryside and its contemplation of life’s significant moments. The opening of this volume includes various poems composed between 1834 and 1837, reflecting Wordsworth's ongoing engagement with life, art, and memory. The first poem, "Lines suggested by a Portrait from the Pencil of F. Stone," sets the stage by contemplating beauty and the impact of art on emotions and relationships. Other pieces, such as "To a Child" and "Written after the Death of Charles Lamb," explore themes of innocence and mourning, showcasing the poet's emotional depth and sensitivity to both personal connections and universal truths. Throughout the opening, Wordsworth's voice remains reflective, drawing on personal memory while addressing broader human experiences.
The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 5 (of 8)
"The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 5 (of 8)" by William Wordsworth is a collection of poetry, written during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This volume primarily features "The Excursion," a long poem that explores themes of nature, human emotion, and philosophical reflections on the human condition. It delves into the characters' interactions and the insights they gain while conversing about their lives and experiences, particularly focusing on the figure of the Wanderer among others. At the start of this volume, the opening section introduces the setting of a desolate yet poetic landscape where the narrator encounters an old friend known as the Wanderer sitting by a ruined cottage. The Wanderer reflects on his past experiences, particularly the poignant tale of a woman named Margaret, who struggled through hardship while maintaining her dignity and hope amidst poverty. Their conversation touches on themes of memory, loss, and the inevitable change that life brings, capturing a deep sense of empathy and understanding of the characters' journeys. The narrative beautifully intertwines personal stories with reflective commentary on the societal conditions of the era.
The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 2 (of 8)
"The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 2" by William Wordsworth is a collection of poetry written primarily in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This volume includes a variety of poems, including narrative verses, lyrical pieces, and reflective poems that explore themes of nature, emotion, and human experience. Particularly notable are works like "Peter Bell," which delves into the complexities of character, as well as "Lines, composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey," which celebrates the restorative power of the natural world. The beginning of this volume sets the stage with Wordsworth's introduction to "Peter Bell," where he shares insights about the creative process behind it and addresses its themes of imagination and daily life. He establishes the character of Peter Bell, a wandering potter with a wild, lawless spirit, and hints at the deeper exploration of his soul throughout the tale. Additionally, the opening section introduces reflective poetry about revisiting cherished landscapes, demonstrating Wordsworth's love for nature and how it intertwines with human emotions and memories. Overall, the opening portion provides a rich prelude to the extensive poetic landscape that Wordsworth crafts throughout this collection.
Lyrical Ballads, with Other Poems, 1800, Volume 1
"Lyrical Ballads, with Other Poems, 1800, Volume 1" by William Wordsworth is a poetry collection first published in 1798. This groundbreaking work, co-authored with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, launched the English Romantic movement by rejecting formal eighteenth-century verse in favor of common, everyday language. The poets focused on simple country people and their emotions, seeking to return readers to nature's original purity. The 1800 edition introduced Wordsworth's famous preface, now considered Romanticism's manifesto, which outlined revolutionary principles about poetry's purpose and accessibility.
The law of copyright
"The law of copyright by William Wordsworth" is a short open letter and pamphlet on copyright law written in the early Victorian era. It advocates reform of literary property, supporting a parliamentary effort to extend authors’ rights and arguing that writers hold an enduring property interest in their works. An editor’s note frames the piece as a newspaper letter backing Serjeant Talfourd’s bill and explains its later rediscovery. The main text is a dignified appeal from Rydal Mount: the poet declines to organize a petition, believing Parliament should recognize the obvious justice of the cause, but publicly declares firm support for longer protection. He criticizes the opposition from printers and publishers, asserts that common law upholds an author’s perpetual property, and rejects comparisons between literature and patentable inventions. Speaking for the whole class of writers—and mindful of heirs—he urges restoration of their rights and closes with confidence that justice will ultimately prevail and gratitude to those advancing the reform.
The Prose Works of William Wordsworth For the First Time Collected, With Additions from Unpublished Manuscripts. In Three Volumes.
"The Prose Works of William Wordsworth" by William Wordsworth is a collection of the author's previously unpublished writings, compiled and edited by Alexander B. Grosart, and published in the late 19th century. This collection focuses on Wordsworth's thoughts on political and ethical matters, emphasizing his reflections on the French Revolution and his perspectives on various social issues. Overall, the collection aims to shed light on the intellectual and societal contributions of Wordsworth beyond his poetry. At the start of this collection, Grosart presents a dedication to Queen Victoria and outlines the significance of Wordsworth's prose, which has been relatively overlooked despite its importance. The preface reviews the author's intentions behind publishing this work, discussing various essays that explore political themes, including his "Apology for the French Revolution." This letter responds critically to contemporary views on monarchy and reveals Wordsworth's republican principles, illustrating his support for liberty and justice while critiquing the inequality fostered by hereditary titles and the arbitrariness of governance. Through this introduction, readers are invited to appreciate the depth and relevance of Wordsworth's prose in understanding his comprehensive view of human society.
The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 6 (of 8)
"The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 6 (of 8)" by William Wordsworth is a collection of poetry published in the late 19th century. This volume contains a selection of Wordsworth's works from the years 1814 to 1820, showcasing his thematic focus on nature, human emotion, and the profound connection between the two. Readers can expect to find insightful reflections on personal and national identities, drawing on historical figures and settings, illustrated through the poet’s unique lens of Romanticism. The opening of this collection introduces several poems, starting with "Laodamia," which explores themes of love, loss, and the transcendent nature of human emotion through the story of a faithful wife yearning for her slain husband. Wordsworth’s mastery of language is evident as he blends mythological elements with deep emotional resonance, setting a reflective tone that permeates the selection. Additionally, the beginnings of poems such as "The Brownie's Cell" and "Yarrow Visited" highlight Wordsworth's interest in Scottish landscapes and folklore, drawing the reader into a vibrant tapestry of the natural world, as well as his reflections on heritage and history. Through these verses, Wordsworth invites readers into his intimate thoughts and contemplations, setting the foundation for a deeply enriching literary experience.
Poems in Two Volumes, Volume 1
"Poems in Two Volumes, Volume 1" by William Wordsworth is a poetry collection published in 1807. This landmark work of English Romantic poetry includes some of Wordsworth's most celebrated verses, from wandering daffodils to Westminster Bridge reflections. Despite containing poems that would become classics, the collection received harsh criticism from contemporaries like Lord Byron, who dismissed Wordsworth's language as childish. The poet faced this critical storm with remarkable composure, even as his work marked both a creative peak and a controversial moment.
Lyrical Ballads with Other Poems, 1800, Volume 2
"Lyrical Ballads with Other Poems, 1800, Volume 2" by William Wordsworth is a poetry collection published in 1800. This volume expands the revolutionary 1798 collection that launched English Romanticism. Wordsworth sought to overturn formal 18th-century poetry by using everyday language and focusing on common people and nature. The poems explore humanity's original innocence and the corrupting influence of society. This edition includes Wordsworth's famous preface, considered the manifesto of Romanticism, detailing his radical poetical principles that would transform English literature forever.
Poems in Two Volumes, Volume 2
"Poems in Two Volumes, Volume 2" by William Wordsworth is a poetry collection published in 1807. This landmark volume contains some of English Romanticism's most celebrated poems, including "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" and "Ode: Intimations of Immortality." Despite now being considered the peak of Wordsworth's creative power, the collection received harsh criticism from contemporaries like Lord Byron, who dismissed the language as "puerile." Wordsworth faced the reviews with stoic resolve.
Selections from Wordsworth and Tennyson
"Selections from Wordsworth and Tennyson" compiled by Pelham Edgar is a poetry anthology, edited to serve educational purposes in the early 20th century. Likely written in the early 19th century, this collection features a range of works from two of England's most beloved poets, William Wordsworth and Alfred Lord Tennyson, exploring themes of nature, love, and the human experience within their verses. The selection serves as a reflection of the Romantic ideals prevalent during that era, celebrating the beauty of the natural world and the emotional depth of human connections. The opening portion of this anthology begins with a preface that outlines its purpose as a required text for Junior Matriculation in Ontario. It includes an extensive list of poems by both Wordsworth and Tennyson, starting with Wordsworth's "Michael," a pastoral tale that introduces the character of a shepherd, Michael, and his simple yet profound life in the valley. This poem sketches Michael's bond with nature and his family, particularly highlighting his deep love for his only son, Luke. As the plot unfolds, it touches upon themes of familial duty, the challenges of life, and the inevitable passage of time, setting a poignant tone that resonates throughout the anthology. The selections promise readers a rich exploration of profound emotional landscapes through the works of both poets.