The Life of Samuel Taylor Coleridge A Critical Biography [Hardcover]

Rosemary Ashton explores the many facets of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's complex personality, by turns poet, critic, thinker, enchanting companion, feckless husband, fabled conversationalist and guilt-ridden opium addict.List of Illustrations.

Acknowledgements.

Introduction.

Part I:1772-1803:.

1. Inspired Charity Boy 1772-1791.

2. Cambridge and Pantisocracy 1791-1794.

3. Bristol and Marriage 1795-1796.

4. Nether Stowey and 'Kubla Khan' 1796-1797.

5. The Ancient Mariner.

6. To Germany and Back 1798-1800.

7. Greta Hall 1800-1802.

Part II: 1803-1834:.

8. In Search of Health: To Malta and Back: 1803-1806.

9. Friendships and The Friend 1807-1810.

10. Life-in-Death: London 1810-1814.

11. Risen Again : Biographia Literaria 1814-1817.

12. Highgate 1818-1821.

13. Coleridge the Sage: Aids to Reflection 1821-1825.

14. Progress and Permanence 1826-1829.

15. Last Years: Church and the State 1830-1834.

Notes.

Bibliography.

Index.

A fine addition to the biographical attempt to catch the complex and elusive figure of Coleridge. The volume is notable for its aliveness, its signal success in giving us a living breathing human being. Professor Thomas McFarland, Princeton University

This book provides the student or general reader with an excellent critical introduction to Coleridge's life and work. Ashton has a gift for elucidating difficult concepts in clear and straightforward language. I can think of no better sinlCÅ