The Excursion: A Poem (1847)

The Excursion: A Poem is a lengthy narrative poem written by the renowned English Romantic poet, William Wordsworth, and published in 1847. The poem is part of a larger work called The Recluse, which Wordsworth intended to be his magnum opus. The Excursion is considered one of the most important works of Wordsworth's later career and is often regarded as a masterpiece of English literature.The poem is structured as a series of nine books, each containing a number of long, philosophical conversations between a group of characters who are taking a walk through the beautiful Lake District countryside. The central figure of the poem is a solitary wanderer named the Wanderer, who is on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. The other characters include a priest, a farmer, a peddler, and a poet, among others.Throughout the poem, Wordsworth explores a range of themes, including the relationship between nature and humanity, the role of the imagination in human experience, and the importance of individual experience and perception. The poem also reflects Wordsworth's own spiritual and philosophical beliefs, particularly his belief in the power of nature to inspire and uplift the human spirit.The Excursion is notable for its rich, descriptive language, vivid imagery, and complex philosophical ideas. It is also praised for its beautiful depiction of the Lake District landscape, which is a major source of inspiration for Wordsworth's poetry. The poem is a must-read for anyone interested in English Romantic poetry, nature writing, or philosophical literature.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

William Wordsworth, one of the leaders of the Romantic Movement in English literature, first published "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" in 1807. This timeless tribute to nature's beauty and its ability inspire the human spirit is used with permission of the Wordsworth Trust.