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Notable Essayists of the Romantic Period
- Edmund Burke (1729-1797) - The British statesman was a noted political theorist and philosophical writer. He was born in Ireland, spent most of his active life in English politics, and died the political oracle of conservative Europe. Best known for Reflections on the Revolution in France in which he criticized the French Revolution for its radicalism and argued for gradual reform instead of abrupt revolutionary change.
- Thomas De Quincey (1785–1859) - English essayist and literary critic best known for his autobiographical work Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, which explores his addiction to opium and its effects on his life and imagination. His writing also encompassed a wide range of subjects, from literature and philosophy to social criticism.
- William Hazlitt (1778–1830) - English essayist, journalist, and critic, Hazlitt began his literary career as a "metaphysician," and the principles of his youthful philosophical writing survived to govern his thought during the years when a more brilliant prose style won him fame. His works such as The Spirit of the Age and Table-Talk are celebrated for their eloquence, wit, and profound analysis of literature, art, and society.
- Charles Lamb (1775–1834) - English essayist, poet, and critic, he was best known for his essays under the pseudonym Elia. His works, including Essays of Elia, are admired for their wit, warmth, and literary craftsmanship, reflecting his deep affection for literature and humanity.
- Thomas Paine (1737-1809) - English-born political activist, philosopher, and revolutionary, whose influential pamphlets such as Common Sense and The American Crisis were crucial in galvanizing American support for independence from Britain. He also authored The Rights of Man, advocating for democratic principles and social reforms, making him a key figure in both the American and French revolutions.
- Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) - English writer, philosopher, and advocate for women's rights, best known for her seminal work A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, which argued for the education and empowerment of women. Her progressive ideas and writings laid the groundwork for the feminist movement, making her a pioneering figure in the fight for gender equality.
Notable Poets of the Romantic Period
- William Blake (1757–1827) - Blake's most original works include books of his own poetry, illustrated, printed, and decorated by himself. Blake's relief-etched books include Songs of Innocence (1789), America: A Prophecy (1793), Jerusalem: The Emanation of the Giant Albion (1804-20).
- Robert Burns (1759-1796) - The work of the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) is characterized by realism, intense feeling, and metrical virtuosity. His best work is in Scots, the vernacular of southern Scotland, and he is one of the greatest authors in that language. His major works include "Auld Lang Syne," "Tam o'Shanter: A Tale," and "A Red, Red Rose."
- Lord Byron (1788–1824) - The English poet George Gordon Noel Byron, 6th Baron Byron (1788-1824), was one of the most important figures of the romantic movement. His works include "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage" (1812-1818), "Don Juan" (1819-1824), "Manfred" (1817), "The Giaour" (1813), "The Bride of Abydos" (1813), and "The Corsair"
- Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822) - The English romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) ranks as one of the greatest lyric poets in the history of English literature. His works include "Ozymanidias," "The Mask of Anarchy," "Prometheus Unbound," and "Adonais."
- John Clare (1793-1864) - English poet known for his vivid and sensitive depictions of rural life and the natural world. Often called the "peasant poet" due to his humble origins, Clare's work captures the beauty and hardships of the countryside, as well as his own struggles with mental health. His works include "The Nightingale's Nest," "Pastoral Poesy," "A Vision," and "I Am."
- Felicia Dorothea Hemans (1793-1835) - English poet known for light Romantic lyrics, including "Casabianca," "Homes of England," "Dirge," "Lost Pleiad," Vespers of Palermo, and "Landing of the Pilgrims."
- John Keats (1795–1821) - The English poet John Keats (1795-1821) stressed that man's quest for happiness and fulfillment is thwarted by the sorrow and corruption inherent in human nature. His works are marked by rich imagery and melodic beauty. His works include "Ode to a Nightingale," "Ode on a Grecian Urn," "To Autumn," "Endymion," and "La Belle Dame sans Merci."
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) - The English author Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was a major poet of the romantic movement. He is also noted for his prose works on literature, religion, and the organization of society. His major works include "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan."
- William Wordsworth (1770–1850) - A major English Romantic poet whose lyrical poetry, including works like "Lyrical Ballads," celebrated nature, spirituality, and the inner emotional life of individuals. His collaboration with Samuel Taylor Coleridge and his theory of poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" significantly influenced Romantic literature.
Notable Novelists of the Romantic Period
- Jane Austen (1775–1817) - English novelist known for her keen observations on the manners and morals of the British landed gentry, exemplified in classics such as Pride and Prejudice and Emma. Other works include Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park.
- Maria Edgeworth (1768–1849) - An Anglo-Irish writer known for her pioneering works in children's literature and novels exploring social issues in Ireland and England. Her notable works include Castle Rackrent and Tales and Novels.
- Ann Radcliffe (1764–1823) - English author known for pioneering the Gothic novel genre with works characterized by suspenseful plots, supernatural elements, and intricate descriptions of landscapes. Her notable works include The Mysteries of Udolpho and A Sicilian Romance.
- Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) - Scottish historical novelist, poet, and playwright, celebrated for his vivid portrayal of Scottish history and culture in works such as Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and The Lady of the Lake. He is often regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 19th century and a key figure in the development of the historical novel.
- Mary Shelley (1797–1851) - English novelist best known for her groundbreaking work Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, which she wrote at the age of 18. She also authored other novels and short stories that explored themes of science, morality, and human nature.
- Horace Walpole (1717–1797) - English writer, politician, and art historian, known for his Gothic novel The Castle of Otranto, which is considered the first Gothic novel in English literature. He was also a noted collector of art and antiquities, and his correspondence provides valuable insights into 18th-century culture and politics.
