Uncover the journey of The Cast-away through Cowper’s last poems
Discover how a handwritten manuscript and its Latin translation illuminate Cowper’s final years, his creative process, and the publication history behind one of his most searched-for works.
This volume traces the life of the Norfolk Manuscripts and how they survived to reveal Cowper’s late, original poem along with Latin translations. It also explains the scholarly work that followed, including how these pages moved through collectors, libraries, and editors before reaching modern readers.
- Learn the provenance of the Norfolk MSS. and how they were preserved
- See how Cowper’s Latin translation of The Cast-away was prepared and printed
- Understand the scholarly notes and editorial decisions that accompany the text
- Explore the surrounding writings and Cowper’s broader body of work from this period
Ideal for readers interested in Cowper’s poetry, manuscript culture, and the history of literary editions. This edition provides context, notes, and transcription details that help illuminate the creation and transmission of The Cast-away.