The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals (Oxford World's Classics) - Softcover

Wordsworth, Dorothy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192840622 ISBN 13: 9780192840622

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2002

Synopsis

Dorothy Wordsworth's journals are a unique record of her life with her brother William, at the time when he was at the height of his poetic powers. Invaluable for the insight they give into the daily life of the poet and his friendship with Coleridge, they are also remarkable for their spontaneity and immediacy, and for the vivid descriptions of people, places, and incidents that inspired some of Wordsworth's best-loved poems. The Grasmere Journal was begun at Dove Cottage in May 1800 and kept for three years. Dorothy notes the walks and the weather, the friends, country neighbors and beggars on the roads; she sets down accounts of the garden, of Wordsworth's marriage, their concern for Coleridge, the composition of poetry. The earlier Alfoxden Journal was written during 1797-8, when the Wordsworths lived near Coleridge in Somerset. Not intended for publication, but to "give Wm Pleasure by it," both journals have a quality recognized by Wordsworth when he wrote of Dorothy that "she gave me eyes, she gave me ears."

About this title

About the Author:

Pamela Woof is a Lecturer in Literature, Centre for Lifelong Learning, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0192840622
• ISBN 13: 9780192840622
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 368
• Editor: Woof Pamela