About
William Cowper was an English poet born in Berkhamsted in 1731. After studying at Westminster School and the Middle Temple, he became a lawyer, but a severe mental crisis in 1763 led to a suicide attempt. He then converted to evangelical Christianity. Settled in Olney, he collaborated with John Newton on the Olney Hymns (1779). His collection Poems (1782) and especially The Task (1785), a long blank-verse poem celebrating nature and rural life, made him famous. He also translated Homer (1791). Considered a forerunner of Romanticism, he is also renowned for his letters.
* 1731-11-26 — † 1800-04-25
Major works
- Olney Hymns (1779)hymn collection
- Poems by William Cowper, of the Inner Temple (1782)poetry collection
- The Task (1785)blank-verse poem
- John Gilpin (1782)comic ballad
- Translation of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey (1791)blank-verse translation
Key milestones
- 1763Suffered a severe mental breakdown and suicide attempt, then converted to evangelical Christianity.
- 1779Published Olney Hymns in collaboration with John Newton.
- 1785Published The Task, his major work, which brought him fame.
Themes
Nature and rural lifeFaith and religious experienceMelancholy and mental healthEveryday life and simplicityForerunner of Romanticism
Sources: poetryfoundation.org · poets.org · britannica.com