Biographia Literaria

Name: Biographia Literaria
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge

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About This Book

The author blends personal memoir and literary criticism to recount his intellectual development, charting early influences, reactions to contemporaries, and the reception of his own work. He analyzes poetic theory—distinguishing fancy from imagination—examines associationist and materialist accounts of mind, critiques Hartley and explores Kant, Fichte, and Schelling, and defends a view of perception and creative power. Close readings of the Lyrical Ballads and other poems accompany reflections on criticism, temperament, and the duties of authorship, interspersed with anecdotes, practical advice for young writers, and concluding meditations on aesthetics and philosophy.

About the Author

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher, best known for his contributions to the Romantic movement. His most famous work, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," showcases his innovative use of language and exploration of complex themes such as nature and the human condition. Coleridge's writings often reflect his deep interest in the interplay between imagination and reality, as seen in his critical works like "Biographia Literaria," where he discusses the nature of poetry and the creative process. His influence extends beyond poetry into philosophy and theology, making him a pivotal figure in English literature.