Skip to product information
1 of 1

William Wordsworth: A Life

William Wordsworth: A Life

4.02 (rated by 49 readers on Goodreads)
Regular price $3.31
Sold out
Buy the book from:
At the age of twenty-eight, William Wordsworth had neither a settled income nor the professional qualifications needed to secure one. He had no home, and he could not support the illegitimate child he had fathered during an impetuous love affair in France. The total sum of his achievements since he had left Cambridge consisted of one slim, anonymously issued volume of Lyrical Ballads. Recognition came slowly, but by age seventy, he was revered as a cultural icon, the Poet Laureate of England, and the most celebrated native of the Lake Country. Based on an intimate knowledge of the poet's manuscripts, on a fresh assessment of contemporary records, and a careful analysis of a wealth of new research, this vividly written volume presents the first serious biography of Wordsworth to appear in over twenty-five years. Stephen Gill, a leading authority on Wordsworth, reveals that, in many ways, this giant of English literature led a heroic life. Despite critical condemnation, numbing blows from the death of friends and family, including three of his own children, and his inability to earn a living as a writer in his early years, his dedication to his art did not waver. Moreover, Gill corrects the image of the older Wordsworth as a stodgy betrayer of his radical youth. While his politics certainly did change, and his poetic power waned from 1799 almost to his death in 1850, Wordsworth single-mindedly shaped his own life in submission to a power of imagination whose importance he never doubted.

Details of Book

ISBN13: 9780192827470
ISBN10: 0192827472
Language: English
Publication Year: 1990
Format: Paperback

Related Collections:

A note on book covers: while we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

View full details
  • One Line Summary

    Deep dive into Wordsworth's heroic literary journey.

  • Who is this book for?

    If you're curious about the real life behind the beloved poet, this biography offers a compelling look at Wordsworth’s resilience and dedication. It's more than just poetry; it's about a man who weathered personal tragedies and societal challenges to become a literary icon. Stephen Gill's insightful research paints a vivid picture of a poet committed to his craft, making it a fascinating read for anyone interested in literary history and personal perseverance.

Your cart
Bookshop Total Quantity Price Total
Thryft - Used (Like New)Thryft is a trusted platform for quality secondhand books at great prices.
Thryft - Used (Like New)Thryft is a trusted platform for quality secondhand books at great prices.
Regular price
Sale price
$3.31/ea
$0.00
Sold out
Regular price
Sale price
$3.31/ea
$0.00

View cart
0

Total items

$0.00

Subtotal

View cart