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Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 1772-1834 Books
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James Gillman
The Life of Samuel Taylor Coleridge 1838
"The Life of Samuel Taylor Coleridge" by James Gillman is a biographical account written in the early 19th century. The book provides an in-depth exploration of the life and character of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a prominent poet and philosopher, delving into his upbringing, struggles, and the experiences that shaped his intellectual and artistic journey. At the start of the memoir, the author reflects on Coleridge's early life, beginning with his birth in Ottery St. Mary, Devonshire, and sketching a portrait of his parents, particularly his father, who was a well-respected vicar and schoolmaster. The narrative weaves through Coleridge's childhood anecdotes, his sensitive disposition, and the impact of his father's death on his life. As Gillman recounts Coleridge's educational experiences, including his struggles at Christ's Hospital and his emerging passion for literature, he establishes a foundation for understanding the poet's complex character and the challenges he faced, setting the stage for the exploration of his later accomplishments and philosophical inclinations.
Joseph Cottle
Reminiscences of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey
"Reminiscences of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey" by Joseph Cottle is a biographical work written in the mid-19th century. The book delves into the lives and relationships of two prominent figures in English literature, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey. Cottle aims to capture their intellectual journeys and the intricacies of their interactions, highlighting significant events that shaped their literary careers. At the start of the memoir, Cottle reflects on his own experience and the solemn nature of revisiting the past as he recounts his associations with Coleridge and Southey. He introduces the ambitious project known as Pantisocracy, which aimed to create a communal society on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Key characters emerge, including Robert Lovell and George Burnet, who initially proposed this endeavor, with Coleridge and Southey among the aspiring idealists. The narrative reveals their youthful exuberance and unrealistic dreams, alongside the pragmatic challenges they faced, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their lives as both poets and friends amidst the backdrop of their shared ambitions and personal struggles.
H. D. (Henry Duff) Traill
English Men of Letters: Coleridge
"English Men of Letters: Coleridge" by H. D. Traill is a biographical account written in the late 19th century that delves into the life and works of the renowned poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. As part of the larger "English Men of Letters" series, the book aims to provide insights into Coleridge's literary journey, covering his early years, influences, and the evolution of his philosophy and poetic vision. The text likely explores his relationships with contemporaries, including William Wordsworth, and contemplates his contributions to English literature, particularly during the Romantic period. The opening of the work introduces the complexities surrounding Coleridge’s life and the challenges faced by those attempting to capture his multifaceted essence. It touches upon his birth, upbringing, and early education, highlighting the impact of his father, the Rev. John Coleridge, and his unique disposition towards philosophy and poetry from a young age. The text sets the stage for an exploration of Coleridge's formative experiences, such as his schooling at Christ's Hospital and Jesus College, Cambridge, along with his precocious intellect and eventual foray into literary circles, including his friendships with literary figures like Wordsworth and Southey. As it unfolds, the biography promises to offer an intimate portrait of Coleridge’s character, achievements, and challenges, presenting a balanced view of the poet’s influence on literature alongside his personal struggles.
S. L. (Samuel Levy) Bensusan
Coleridge
"Coleridge" by S. L. Bensusan is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the life and thoughts of the renowned poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, exploring his struggles, friendships, and influences against the backdrop of his significant contributions to literature. The narrative presents Coleridge not only as a literary figure but as a complex individual marked by both brilliance and fragility. The opening of the biography provides a detailed introduction to Coleridge's formative years, highlighting his early life in Devonshire and his schooling experiences. It paints a picture of a precocious but unhappy child, prone to anxiety and self-doubt, who found solace in books but struggled with social interactions. Bensusan sets the stage for the exploration of Coleridge's later philosophical and poetic endeavors, hinting at the dichotomy between his remarkable talents and the personal challenges he faced throughout his life. This section establishes the groundwork for understanding how Coleridge's early experiences shaped his subsequently turbulent existence and prolific literary output.
May Byron
A Day with Samuel Taylor Coleridge
"A Day with Samuel Taylor Coleridge" by May Byron is a biographical account written in the early 20th century that delves into a day in the life of the renowned poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The book explores the themes of creativity, domestic life, and the inner turmoil of an artist grappling with both personal and financial struggles while living in the picturesque setting of Nether Stowey. It encapsulates the poetic spirit of the Romantic era, highlighting the beauty of nature and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative centers around a May morning in 1790, capturing Coleridge as he balances his roles as a husband, father, and poet. As he partakes in mundane household tasks with humor and resignation, the tensions of domestic life unfold, particularly through interactions with his wife Sara and his pupil Charles Lloyd. Throughout the day, Coleridge enjoys the companionship of fellow poet William Wordsworth and reflects on his aspirations and inspirations, revealing his deep attachment to the natural world and his wrestling with existential doubts. Ultimately, the book paints a vivid portrait of Coleridge's duality as a man of profound imagination and a soul burdened by the weight of his potential.
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