Memoir Of The Early Life Of William Cowper, Esq.

by William Cowper

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

130 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1816

About the author

The Task , best-known work of William Cowper, British poet, considered a precursor of romanticism, in 1785 praises rural life and leisure.

William Cowper served as an English hymnodist. Cowper, one most popular man of his time, wrote of everyday nature scenes of the English countryside and thus changed the direction of 18th century. In many ways, he foreran later authors. Samuel Taylor Coleridge called him "modern," whilst William Wordsworth particularly admired Yardley-Oak . He a nephew of Judith Madan.

From severe manic depression, Cowper suffered, found refuge in a fervent evangelical Christianity, the inspiration behind his much-loved hymns, often experienced doubt, and feared doom to eternal damnation. His religious sentiment and association with John Newton (who wrote Amazing Grace , the hymn) led to much memorable writing.

Reviews

[Avis Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about Cowper's multiple suicide attempts, his sufferings from major depression, and the time he spent in a mental institution before he was considered well enough to leave it. This book must have been shocking reading for its time, and it's still impressive today.

Available at Open Library:
https://openlibrary.org/works/OL11146...

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luther's law/grace message is not simply an interpretation of Paul's theology. It is a lived experience, amply demonstrated by the life of William Cowper.

[Bryce Snyder Apple Cider · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Cowper made staunch, decided rejections of God at multiple points in his life, BUT GOD, by his grace, chose him for service and, despite Cowper's naturally dejected spirit, used his gift of poetry to show God's heart to the yearners of his time.