Subject
Poets, English -- 19th century -- Biography Books
Best books
Sidney Colvin
Life of John Keats: His Life and Poetry, His Friends, Critics and After-Fame
"Life of John Keats: His Life and Poetry, His Friends, Critics and After-Fame" by Sidney Colvin is a comprehensive historical account written in the early 20th century. The work dives into the life of the renowned Romantic poet John Keats, exploring his poetry, personal relationships, and the critical reception of his art during his lifetime and beyond. It aims to provide a detailed and engaging narrative of Keats's life, emphasizing the emotional and imaginative experiences that shaped his work. The opening of the volume sets the stage for Keats's life by delving into his early years, beginning with his birth and family background in London, where he emerged from humble beginnings. The narrative outlines his childhood experiences, the influence of his parents, and his education at Enfield School. As the text unfolds, it highlights his growing passion for poetry, the friendships that marked his youth, and the paths that led him to his career as a poet, including his apprenticeship and eventual decision to devote himself entirely to literature. This meticulous introduction paints a picture of Keats as a fiery, passionate individual whose later genius was nurtured by the complexities of his formative years.
Everard Meynell
The Life of Francis Thompson
"The Life of Francis Thompson" by Everard Meynell is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the life of Francis Thompson, a Victorian poet best known for his poem "The Hound of Heaven." The biography details Thompson’s formative years, exploring his complex childhood and early influences, setting the stage for his later struggles as an artist in a challenging social landscape. At the start of the biography, we are introduced to the early life of Francis Thompson, born into a family with a rich history yet marked by emotional and social struggles. The narrative recounts his childhood in Preston, revealing a sensitive and introspective boy who grapples with the intricacies of love, loneliness, and imagination. Meynell provides a vivid depiction of Thompson’s upbringing, his relationship with literature, and the emotional undercurrents that shaped his poetic voice. This initial chapter sets an intimate tone, suggesting that Thompson's journey is as much about his internal landscapes as it is about his external circumstances.
John William Polidori
The Diary of Dr. John William Polidori, 1816, Relating to Byron, Shelley, etc.
"The Diary of Dr. John William Polidori, 1816, Relating to Byron, Shelley, etc." is a historical account written in the early 20th century, edited and elucidated by William Michael Rossetti. The text serves as a diary chronicling the experiences of Dr. John Polidori, a young physician, during his journey with the famous poet Lord Byron and a circle of other notable literary figures, including Percy Bysshe Shelley. The diary captures the intrigues and observations surrounding these prominent literary icons of the Romantic era. The opening portion of the text introduces Dr. John William Polidori, briefly recounting his background, ambitions, and connection to Lord Byron as his traveling physician. The narrative details his early enthusiasm upon embarking on a significant journey across Europe, showcasing both the scenic beauty and artistic grandeur he encounters along the way. Notably, Polidori reflects on historical sites, art, and architecture as he travels through England and Belgium. The entries weave personal impressions alongside cultural insights, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of relationships and literary history intertwined with his travels.
Arthur Symons
William Blake
"WILLIAM BLAKE" by Arthur Symons is a biographical study written in the early 20th century. This work examines the life, artistic achievements, and philosophical ideas of the renowned poet and artist William Blake, providing a comprehensive account drawn from various contemporary sources. It delves into Blake's profound impact on literature and art, discussing his unique vision that challenges conventional morality and societal norms, while also capturing his creative process. The opening of the biography introduces the author’s inspiration to write it, stemming from his longtime admiration for Blake's poetry and the desire to explore the deeper meanings behind his works. Symons outlines his goal to present not only his own interpretations of Blake’s life and contributions but also to provide verbatim accounts from historical documents and contemporary records. The beginning emphasizes Blake’s role as a visionary artist whose thoughts on morality, the imagination, and the spiritual world resonate with both past and modern ideals, particularly drawing connections to Nietzsche's philosophies and Blake's concept of the imagination being the gateway to a higher reality.
Sutherland Orr
Life and Letters of Robert Browning
"Life and Letters of Robert Browning" by Mrs. Sutherland Orr is a biographical compilation written in the late 19th century. This work presents an intimate exploration of the life, family background, and evolving literary career of the renowned poet Robert Browning, enriched by personal correspondence and insights from his sister and daughter. It delves into Browning's childhood, literary influences, and the various relationships that shaped his artistic sensibilities. The opening of the book introduces the origins of the Browning family, focusing particularly on Robert Browning's grandfather and father. It highlights a complex family dynamic characterized by strife and influence, laying the groundwork for understanding the poet's early years. Robert's childhood is depicted with detail, showcasing his vivid imagination, early love of storytelling, and the strong bond he shared with his mother. As the narrative progresses, it hints at the restlessness and brilliant mental endowments of young Browning, setting the stage for the literary genius that he would later become.
Lilian Whiting
The Brownings, Their Life and Art
"The Brownings, Their Life and Art" by Lilian Whiting is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the lives and artistic contributions of the celebrated poets Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, exploring their personal backgrounds, relationship, and the profound impact they had on literature. The opening of this biography introduces the Browning couple, highlighting the remarkable yet brief span of their shared life and artistic collaboration. It outlines Robert Browning's early influences and formative years, including his family's literary background and his poetic aspirations, as well as Elizabeth Barrett's childhood filled with beauty and her innate love for poetry. Lilian Whiting sets the stage for a detailed examination of their lives, emphasizing the exquisite romance and artistic synergy that defined their union, portraying their journey from individual artists to a poetic partnership that would leave a lasting legacy.
Thomas Moore
Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 6 With His Letters and Journals
"Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 6" by Thomas Moore is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book focuses on the life and works of poet Lord Byron, with this particular volume detailing his letters and journals spanning from February 1823 to his death in April 1824. It delves into Byron's relationships, his reflections on fame, his political involvement, and his emotional struggles, particularly during the time of his association with figures like Percy Bysshe Shelley and Leigh Hunt. The opening of this volume introduces Lord Byron's correspondence during a pivotal period of his life. He expresses concerns about his waning reputation and reflects on the burdens of friendships strained by financial matters. The letters reveal his complexities: a mixture of sensitivity and bravado, mingled with his lofty aspirations for fame and impact. As he contemplates his literary alliances and the implications of his social relationships, Byron's thoughts are peppered with both resentment and a desire for connection. His correspondence serves as a window into his mind, revealing as much about his internal conflicts as it does about the social dynamics of the literary circles he traversed.
Edward Dowden
Robert Browning
"Robert Browning" by Edward Dowden is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. This work focuses on the life and mind of the poet Robert Browning, aiming to provide insights into his literary achievements and the spiritual dimensions of his work. It explores Browning's background, influences, and the development of his poetry, emphasizing the significance of his contributions to English literature. The opening of the biography introduces the concept of a "biography of the mind," highlighting the importance of understanding Browning's internal journey as a poet rather than simply chronicling his external experiences. It discusses the challenges of deciphering his complex thoughts and poems, reflecting on how his optimistic perspective offers a counter to the materialism of his time. The text outlines Browning's early life, his familial influences, his education, and the initial forays into poetry, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his work and legacy in subsequent chapters.
Sidney Colvin
Keats
"Keats" by Sidney Colvin is a biographical work written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the life, influences, and literary contributions of the Romantic poet John Keats, detailing his journey from an ordinary upbringing to becoming one of the most celebrated figures in English literature. It explores his familial relationships, friendships, and the social circle that shaped his development as a poet. The opening of the biography provides a foundational overview of Keats's early life, including his birth into a modest family and his formative years spent at different schools. It highlights significant events such as the loss of his father and the effects this had on his upbringing. The narrative details his awakening to poetry during his time as a surgeon's apprentice, noting the deep emotional connections he fostered with his family and friends. As he begins to engage with poetry more seriously, the text hints at his evolving relationships with contemporaries like Leigh Hunt and Shelley, setting the stage for his burgeoning literary ambitions. This introduction establishes a poignant and reflective tone that invites readers to explore the complexities of Keats’s character and the context in which his poetry flourished.
Andrew Lang
Alfred Tennyson
"Alfred Tennyson" by Andrew Lang is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the life and contributions of the famed British poet Alfred Tennyson, providing insights into his early years, influences, and the themes evident in his poetry. Lang draws upon various sources, including Tennyson's own biography, to appraise the poet's legacy and impact on literature. The opening of "Alfred Tennyson" introduces readers to Tennyson's formative years, highlighting his precocious talent in poetry from an early age. Lang outlines Tennyson's background, including his upbringing in a Lincolnshire family and education at Cambridge, where he displayed early signs of genius through his writings. The narrative focuses on Tennyson's development as a poet, his early works, and his friendships, notably with Arthur Hallam, who would later influence the poignant themes in Tennyson's poetry. This section sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Tennyson's literary achievements and the personal experiences that shaped his poetic voice.
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.
Thomas Moore
Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 5 With His Letters and Journals
"Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 5" by Thomas Moore is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This volume presents letters and journals of the celebrated poet Lord Byron, detailing significant events and insights from his life during the years 1820 to 1822. Its focus is on Byron’s personal experiences, his relationships, and his reflections on political and artistic matters in the context of his time, highlighting his connections with peers and the upheavals of his era. At the start of this volume, the reader is introduced to Byron's correspondence from Ravenna, revealing his witty and sometimes acerbic thoughts on various topics, including his reactions to political situations in Italy and interactions with friends and foes alike. The letters touch on themes of friendship, exile, artistic integrity, and Byron's ongoing struggles with public perception and personal controversies, especially concerning his marital issues. The opening portion sets the tone for an exploration of Byron's complex character and the tumultuous period in which he lived, drawing readers into the intimate and often turbulent world of one of England's most iconic poets.
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