Memoirs of William Wordsworth
Memoirs of William Wordsworth 2 Volume Set Series

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.