Subject
Poets, English -- Biography -- Early works to 1800 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.
Theophilus Cibber
The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume II.
"The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland" by Theophilus Cibber is a historical account written in the mid-18th century. This work, which forms part of a multi-volume collection, delves deeply into the lives and contributions of various poets from Great Britain and Ireland, documenting their careers, styles, and notable works. The opening of this volume begins with a note about its publication and the intention to compile the lives of various poets, showcasing the contributions of lesser-known figures, such as Anthony Brewer and Thomas May. Each poet is introduced with summaries of their works, influence, and context within their time, often highlighting their interactions with contemporaneous literary and political figures. For instance, the narrative recounts how Brewer's talent stemmed from the era of Charles I, detailing his various plays and the impact of his work, as well as including interesting anecdotes that connect these poets to historical events, like Oliver Cromwell’s performance in one of Brewer’s plays. Overall, the text reveals both the personal and artistic dimensions of each poet, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of their literary legacies.
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.
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.
Theophilus Cibber
The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume V.
"The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland" by Mr. Cibber is a historical account written during the mid-18th century. This volume serves as a biographical compilation detailing the lives and contributions of various poets from Britain and Ireland, notably focusing on figures like Eustace Budgell and Thomas Tickell. The text offers insight not only into the poets’ careers but also their personal lives and the sociopolitical contexts in which they operated. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to Eustace Budgell, whose early life reflects the complexities of familial expectations and personal aspirations. Budgell’s journey begins with his aristocratic background, education at Christ's Church, Oxford, and subsequent friendship with the renowned poet Joseph Addison. The narrative unfolds to reveal Budgell's deviations from his father’s intentions for him to pursue a legal career, as he is drawn instead to literature and involvement with notable publications such as "The Tatler" and "The Spectator." Ultimately, the opening portion highlights his rise within literary circles, his fluctuating fortunes, and his poignant reflections on his ambitions, emphasizing themes of friendship, familial obligations, and the pursuit of artistic recognition amidst personal turmoil.
Theophilus Cibber
The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume I.
"The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland" by Theophilus Cibber is a historical account written in the mid-18th century. This extensive work serves as a biographical compilation of notable poets from Britain and Ireland, detailing their lives, works, and contributions to literature. The first volume includes significant figures such as Geoffrey Chaucer, William Langland, and Sir Thomas More, offering insights into their personal histories and the broader literary context of their times. At the start of this volume, Cibber introduces Geoffrey Chaucer, delving into the uncertainty surrounding his birthplace and lineage, while highlighting his education and early literary attempts. The opening recounts Chaucer's life journey, from his studies at the university to his rise at the royal court, showcasing his relationships with influential patrons. Cibber portrays Chaucer as a multifaceted individual—poet, courtier, and ambassador—while also hinting at the tumultuous shifts of fortune that characterized his later years. This introductory biographical sketch sets the tone for the detailed accounts to follow of other poets, interweaving personal anecdotes with critical analysis of their contributions to English poetry.
Theophilus Cibber
The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume III.
"The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland" by Cibber is a historical account probably written in the mid-18th century. This work serves as a comprehensive compendium of biographical sketches of significant poets from Great Britain and Ireland, including figures such as Sir John Denham, Thomas Killegrew, and Aphra Behn. The collection offers readers insights into their lives, works, and the socio-political context of their times, blending literary critique with history. At the start of this volume, Cibber introduces several poets, beginning with Sir John Denham, detailing his life from birth to death, his literary contributions, and his interactions with notable contemporaries. Denham's story highlights his academic beginnings, troubles with gambling, and emergence as a poet of renown with works like "Cooper's Hill." The narrative also covers the lives of other poets such as Killegrew and Behn, showcasing their works and characters while providing anecdotes that bring their personalities to life. This starting section sets the stage for an engaging exploration of the contributions and complexities of these literary figures within the broader canvas of English literature.
William Winstanley
The Lives of the Most Famous English Poets (1687)
"The Lives of the Most Famous English Poets" by William Winstanley is a historical account written in the late 17th century. This work provides a biographical overview of various English poets from the time of King William the Conqueror to King James II, discussing their contributions and literary significance. The book aims to illuminate the evolution of English poetry and its key figures, offering insights into the authors' lives and works. The opening of the text sets the stage for an exploration of England's rich poetic heritage, starting with a discussion on the role of poets as cultural commentators and the guardians of fame across time. Winstanley expresses his ambition to compile the lives of around two hundred poets, although he acknowledges limitations in his research and the reliance on prior sources. The beginning also touches on the concept of literary immortality, suggesting that despite the transitory nature of human life, poets' works endure beyond their mortal existence. This prelude establishes a framework for the subsequent detailed accounts of individual poets, which include their backgrounds, notable works, and impact on English literature.
Theophilus Cibber
The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume IV.
"The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland" by Mr. Cibber is a biographical anthology written during the mid-18th century that explores the lives and works of various poets from Great Britain and Ireland. The book appears to offer a detailed account of the poets' contributions to literature, delving into their personal histories, societal contexts, and specific works, ultimately aiming to trace the development and significance of poetry during this time. At the start of the volume, the reader is introduced to the lives of several poets, beginning with Peter Motteux, a French gentleman who thrived in England as a translator and playwright. His contributions and tragic demise are recounted, setting the tone for a broader exploration of other poets, including Mrs. Manley, whose complex life story reflects the societal challenges faced by female writers in her time. The opening sections highlight the intersections between personal life, artistic expression, and the cultural milieu of the poets, illustrating how their experiences shaped their works and legacies. Each entry serves to both celebrate and critically assess their contributions to the literary landscape.
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