ALS to the Revd John Hymers, from Rydal Mount

Scope and Content

Replies to a query made by the Fellows of St John's College about plans for his portrait. Informs Hymers that he is waiting for Mr Quillinan to send him news of Mr Pickersgill, who was to paint the portrait but has only just returned from France. Reports that he has passed on messages to William, and Henry Cookson's mother. Asks for advice, on behalf of his brother-in-law, Mr Thomas Hutchinson, about the relative merits of being a Sizar or a Pensioner at St John's. Refers to his poor eyesight which necessitates an amanuensis.

Administrative / Biographical History

Admitted at St John's 1787, BA 1791. Credited with ushering in the English Romantic Movement with the publication of 'Lyrical Ballads' (1798) in collaboration with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. About 1798 he started to write a large and philosophical autobiographical poem, completed in 1805, and published posthumously in 1850 under the title 'The Prelude'. Published 'Poems in two volumes' in 1807. Poet Laureate 1843-50.

Acquisition Information

Presented by Revd John Hymers, 1886.

Note

Admitted at St John's 1787, BA 1791. Credited with ushering in the English Romantic Movement with the publication of 'Lyrical Ballads' (1798) in collaboration with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. About 1798 he started to write a large and philosophical autobiographical poem, completed in 1805, and published posthumously in 1850 under the title 'The Prelude'. Published 'Poems in two volumes' in 1807. Poet Laureate 1843-50.

Bibliography

Ernest De Selincourt (ed.) revised, arranged, and edited by Alan G. Hill, 'The Letters of William and Dorothy Wordsworth: Volume V The Later Years Part II 1829-1834' (1979) p. 480-1.
The Eagle XIV (1887) 244 and 252.

Additional Information

Published