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William Wordsworth (1770-1850) is one of the most important and enduringly popular of all the English poets. His unique relationship with the poet and political activist Samuel Taylor Coleridge, founded in the political and social ferment of 1795, produced a revolution in literature, resultingin the joint volume, Lyrical Ballads (1798-1805)--a landmark in the history of English Romanticism. This selection, chosen from the Oxford Authors critical edition, includes all Wordsworth's finest lyrics, and a large sample of The Prelude (1805), his extraordinary autobiographical poem in blankverse and the first truly great achievement of a new era in English poetry.
William Wordsworth’s poetry captures the intersection of human consciousness and the natural world, marking a shift in the trajectory of English literature. The poet navigates the internal landscape of memory and the external beauty of the English countryside, seeking to reconcile the individual spirit with the broader social and political changes of his time. Through a blend of lyrical observation and philosophical reflection, the work challenges the reader to find significance in the mundane and the sublime. The narrative framework often shifts between intimate personal recollection and expansive meditations on the human condition.
Readers and critics frequently identify this collection as a foundational entry point into the Romantic movement. Discussion often centers on the accessibility of Wordsworth’s language compared to his predecessors and the profound psychological depth found in his autobiographical verses. Many highlight the effectiveness of his nature-focused imagery in grounding abstract philosophical concepts. The balance between personal introspection and broader societal observation remains a primary focus for scholars studying the evolution of modern poetry.
Page Count:
272
Publication Date:
1997-06-26
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192832808
ISBN-13:
9780192832801
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