Memoirs of William Wordsworth

A two-volume biography of the poet William Wordsworth, published in 1851 by his nephew, Christopher, later bishop of Lincoln.

Christopher Wordsworth (Author)

9781108075732, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 September 2014

476 pages, 3 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.7 cm, 0.6 kg

This two-volume biography of William Wordsworth (1770–1850) was published in 1851 by his nephew, Christopher (1807–85), a scholar who later became bishop of Lincoln. The introductory chapter argues against the presentation of a 'life', or a critical assessment of Wordsworth's works. The poet felt strongly that the life was in the works, and that they should 'plead their own cause before the tribune of Posterity'. Nevertheless, an elucidation of the facts of Wordsworth's life would - precisely because his poems are so personal - help the reader to understand his verse; and to be best understood, it should be studied chronologically, for which a 'biographical commentary' would be essential. Christopher Wordsworth, having agreed to undertake this task, asked his uncle for a 'brief sketch of the most prominent circumstances of his life'; the remainder of Volume 1 takes the biography up to 1810.

Preface
1. Introductory chapter
2. Autobiographical memoranda
3. Rydal Mount
4. Birth and parentage of William Wordsworth
5. School-time
6. College life
7. College vacations
8. Residence in France
9. Feelings and opinions on returning to England
10. Racedown
11. Alfoxden
12. The tragedy
13. The 'Lyrical Ballads'
14. Residence in Germany
15. Return towards England
16. Settlement at Grasmere
17. Second volume of 'Lyrical Ballads'
18. Residence at Grasmere
19. Marriage
20. Tour in Scotland
21. Sir George Beaumont
22. Captain Wordsworth
23. Continuation of 'The Prelude'
24. Other poems written in 1805 and 1806
25. Poems in Two Volumes published in 1807
26. Mr Wordsworth at Coleorton
27. His children
28. 'Convention of Cintra'
29. Advice to the young
30. Essay on epitaphs
31. Description of the scenery of the Lakes.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]