William Cowper of the Inner Temple, Esq.
A Study of His Life and Works to the Year 1768

A 1959 study of the early life and work of the poet William Cowper.

Charles Ryskamp (Author)

9780521169486, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 3 March 2011

300 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.44 kg

This 1959 book is a study of the early life and work of the poet William Cowper. It is a 'life', not a 'portrait'; Dr Ryskamps's principal aim was to add details to what was known, to provide accurate documentation, and to dispel old myths. Information is given about Cowper's life at Westminster School and in the Temple, his engagement to Theadora Cowper, his alleged hermaphroditism, his clerkship at the House of Lords, his insanity, and his friendship with Mrs Unwin. Dr Ryskamp's study ends where the better-known part of Cowper's life begins. Its effect is to give a soundly based, factual and detailed account of the early and more worldly career of the man later famous as a recluse. The appendices give nearly two dozen letters and essays written between 1750 and 1767; nine poems, early and late; five reviews; and two letters to the Gentleman's Magazine.

List of plates
Short titles and abbreviations
Preface
1. Berkhamsted
2. Westminster
3. The boys
4. Reading
5. The temple
6. The geniuses
7. Writing
8. Theadora
9, The defect
10. Failure
11. The saints
Appendices
Notes on Cowper's relatives and friends
Index.

Subject Areas: Educational: English literature [YQE]