Subject
English poetry -- 18th century -- History and criticism Books
Best books
Samuel Johnson
Lives of the English Poets : Waller, Milton, Cowley
"Lives of the English Poets: Waller, Milton, Cowley" by Samuel Johnson is a critical work published between 1779-81. This collection presents short biographies and literary critiques of 52 English poets, mostly from the eighteenth century. Johnson examines each poet's life, character, and major works, offering judgments that proved controversial even upon publication. His assessments—including harsh views on Milton's "Lycidas" and metaphysical poetry—sparked immediate debate. Commissioned by London publishers to compete with Scottish editions, these prefaces evolved from brief introductions into substantial literary criticism that shaped how generations understood English poetry.
Samuel Johnson
Lives of the English Poets Gay, Thomson, Young, Gray, &c.
"Lives of the English Poets" by Samuel Johnson is a biographical collection written in the early 18th century. This work presents an array of poetic figures from the English literary canon, focusing on their lives, contributions, and the circumstances that shaped their artistry. Notable subjects include figures like Edward Young, William King, and John Gay, as Johnson examines both their literary merit and personal experiences. The opening of this work introduces the reader to the premise and structure of the collection, specifically noting that it includes twenty lives of English poets, with particular attention given to Edward Young. Johnson provides a chronological account of poets born in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, such as Samuel Garth, Charles Montague, and William Collins, discussing their literary achievements in relation to their backgrounds and the social dynamics of their time. He sets the stage for a deeper exploration of these writers, hinting at the varied themes and life stories that will follow in the subsequent chapters.
Samuel Johnson
Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1
"Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1" by Samuel Johnson is a collection of biographies written between 1779-81. Commissioned by London publishers to compete with Scottish editions, Johnson crafted biographical sketches and critical assessments of 52 English poets, mostly from the eighteenth century. Though some prefaces began as brief introductions, many expanded into substantial explorations of each poet's life, character, and work. Johnson's judgments proved controversial from publication, with critics challenging his views on Milton, Gray, and Swift, among others.
Samuel Johnson
Lives of the Poets, Volume 1
"Lives of the Poets, Volume 1" by Samuel Johnson is a collection of biographies written between 1779-81. This landmark work presents short biographies and critical appraisals of 52 English poets, most from the eighteenth century. Commissioned by London publishers to compete with Scottish editions, Johnson crafted portraits that blend life narratives with character assessments and literary criticism. His judgments sparked immediate controversy—praised for compelling prose yet criticized for prejudiced opinions on Milton, Swift, and the Metaphysical poets, while conspicuously omitting women writers entirely.
Thomas Quayle
Poetic diction: A study of eighteenth century verse
"Poetic Diction: A Study of Eighteenth Century Verse" by Thomas Quayle is a literary critique written in the early 20th century. This work investigates the poetic language utilized during the eighteenth century, particularly analyzing the views surrounding "poetic diction" and how this language evolved in relation to contemporary social and literary contexts. Quayle aims to critique the misconceptions about the poetry of this era, addressing the historical dismissal of its style and contributions. At the start of the study, Quayle sets the stage by discussing the historical context following the publication of the "Lyrical Ballads" in 1798, highlighting the ensuing criticism of the classical poetic language of the eighteenth century. He notes how poets of that time, including Pope and Dryden, faced unjust disparagement due to labels that oversimplified their contributions. Quayle proposes to reevaluate these poets' work, examining the various forms of poetic diction—such as Latinism, archaism, and abstraction—which were utilized in their poetry. The opening portion establishes the book's intent to assess the value of the language used in eighteenth-century verse and explore how it reflects the literary and cultural conditions of its time.
Samuel Johnson
Lives of the English Poets : Prior, Congreve, Blackmore, Pope
"Lives of the English Poets: Prior, Congreve, Blackmore, Pope" by Samuel Johnson is a biographical and critical work published between 1779-81. This volume presents Johnson's assessments of four poets, part of his larger collection examining 52 English poets. Johnson combines biographical narrative with character sketches and critical evaluations of their major works. Originally commissioned by London publishers to compete with Scottish editions, these prefaces grew beyond their intended scope, revealing Johnson's sharp judgments and occasional prejudices that sparked immediate debate among his contemporaries.
Stapleton Martin
Anna Seward, and Classic Lichfield
"Anna Seward, and Classic Lichfield" by Stapleton Martin is a biography written in the early 20th century, specifically in the early 1900s. This book is centered around the life and legacy of Anna Seward, a prominent poetess known as "The Swan of Lichfield," and it aims to rekindle interest in her contributions to British literature. The text reflects on her social and literary milieu in Lichfield, detailing her relationships and interactions with notable contemporaries, including Dr. Samuel Johnson and Dr. Erasmus Darwin. The biography delves into Anna Seward's personal life, her literary achievements, and her impact on the Lichfield literary scene during the 18th century. It discusses her early life growing up in Lichfield, her eloquent poetry, her friendships, and the tragedies she faced, including the loss of loved ones such as her sister Honora. The book also highlights instances of her correspondence with other literary figures and captures her distinctive voice, character, and opinions about poetry and society. Through vivid anecdotes and assessments of her works, the biography not only celebrates Seward's contributions but also sets her within the broader context of British literary history.
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