The Life of John Clare By: Frederick Martin (1830-1883)
The Life of John Clare by Frederick Martin is an intimate and captivating biography that delves deep into the extraordinary life of the renowned poet. Martin's meticulous research and eloquent storytelling bring Clare to life, painting a vivid picture of his remarkable journey. From the very beginning, it becomes evident that Martin's dedication to revealing the true essence of Clare is unwavering. He skillfully weaves together historical facts, personal anecdotes, and excerpts from Clare's poems to create a rich narrative that immerses readers into the poet's world. It is evident that Martin has a profound admiration for Clare's work, and this admiration permeates throughout the entire book. One of the most impressive aspects of Martin's writing is his ability to capture the complexities and contradictions of Clare's character. Clare's life was marked by great success as a poet, while also battling mental illness and enduring hardships that often plagued his personal life. Martin portrays Clare's struggles and triumphs with compassion and sensitivity, making it impossible not to empathize with the poet's plight. Furthermore, Martin provides valuable insights into the social and cultural context in which Clare lived. He deftly explores the influence of the Romantic era, as well as the impact of industrialization on rural England. By contextualizing Clare's poetry within these larger themes, Martin enhances our understanding of the significance and relevance of Clare's writings. The Life of John Clare is as much a testament to Clare's enduring legacy as it is a comprehensive biography. Martin's exploration of Clare's poetry and its lasting impact on subsequent generations is profoundly moving. He artfully highlights the beauty and power of Clare's words, reminding readers of his profound talent and his rightful place in the literary canon. In sum, The Life of John Clare by Frederick Martin is an impeccably researched and beautifully written biography that offers a comprehensive and deeply moving exploration of one of the most beloved poets of the Romantic era. Martin's dedication and admiration for Clare's work shine through every page, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the poet's extraordinary life and his enduring contributions to literature. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in the life of John Clare or the Romantic period in English literature. First Page: THE LIFE OF JOHN CLARE. by FREDERICK MARTIN. PREFACE. Some forty years ago, the literary world rapturously hailed the appearance of a new poet, brought forward as 'the Northamptonshire Peasant' and 'the English Burns.' There was no limit to the applause bestowed upon him. Rossini set his verses to music; Madame Vestris recited them before crowded audiences; William Gifford sang his praises in the 'Quarterly Review;' and all the critical journals, reviews, and magazines of the day were unanimous in their admiration of poetical genius coming before them in the humble garb of a farm labourer. The 'Northamptonshire Peasant' was duly petted, flattered, lionized, and caressed and, of course, as duly forgotten when his nine days were passed. It was the old tale, all over. In this case, flattery did not spoil the 'peasant;' but poverty, neglect, and suffering broke his heart. After writing some exquisite poetry, and struggling for years with fierce want, he sank at last under the burthen of his sorrows, and in the spring of 1864 died at the Northampton Lunatic Asylum. It is a very old tale, no doubt, but which may bear being told once more, brimful as it is of human interest. The narrative has been drawn from a vast mass of letters and other original documents, including some very curious autobiographical memoirs... Continue reading book >>

The Life of John Clare By: Frederick Martin (1830-1883)

The Life of John Clare by Frederick Martin is an intimate and captivating biography that delves deep into the extraordinary life of the renowned poet. Martin's meticulous research and eloquent storytelling bring Clare to life, painting a vivid picture of his remarkable journey.

From the very beginning, it becomes evident that Martin's dedication to revealing the true essence of Clare is unwavering. He skillfully weaves together historical facts, personal anecdotes, and excerpts from Clare's poems to create a rich narrative that immerses readers into the poet's world. It is evident that Martin has a profound admiration for Clare's work, and this admiration permeates throughout the entire book.

One of the most impressive aspects of Martin's writing is his ability to capture the complexities and contradictions of Clare's character. Clare's life was marked by great success as a poet, while also battling mental illness and enduring hardships that often plagued his personal life. Martin portrays Clare's struggles and triumphs with compassion and sensitivity, making it impossible not to empathize with the poet's plight.

Furthermore, Martin provides valuable insights into the social and cultural context in which Clare lived. He deftly explores the influence of the Romantic era, as well as the impact of industrialization on rural England. By contextualizing Clare's poetry within these larger themes, Martin enhances our understanding of the significance and relevance of Clare's writings.

The Life of John Clare is as much a testament to Clare's enduring legacy as it is a comprehensive biography. Martin's exploration of Clare's poetry and its lasting impact on subsequent generations is profoundly moving. He artfully highlights the beauty and power of Clare's words, reminding readers of his profound talent and his rightful place in the literary canon.

In sum, The Life of John Clare by Frederick Martin is an impeccably researched and beautifully written biography that offers a comprehensive and deeply moving exploration of one of the most beloved poets of the Romantic era. Martin's dedication and admiration for Clare's work shine through every page, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the poet's extraordinary life and his enduring contributions to literature. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in the life of John Clare or the Romantic period in English literature.

First Page:

THE LIFE OF JOHN CLARE.

FREDERICK MARTIN.

PREFACE.

Some forty years ago, the literary world rapturously hailed the appearance of a new poet, brought forward as 'the Northamptonshire Peasant' and 'the English Burns.' There was no limit to the applause bestowed upon him. Rossini set his verses to music; Madame Vestris recited them before crowded audiences; William Gifford sang his praises in the 'Quarterly Review;' and all the critical journals, reviews, and magazines of the day were unanimous in their admiration of poetical genius coming before them in the humble garb of a farm labourer. The 'Northamptonshire Peasant' was duly petted, flattered, lionized, and caressed and, of course, as duly forgotten when his nine days were passed. It was the old tale, all over. In this case, flattery did not spoil the 'peasant;' but poverty, neglect, and suffering broke his heart. After writing some exquisite poetry, and struggling for years with fierce want, he sank at last under the burthen of his sorrows, and in the spring of 1864 died at the Northampton Lunatic Asylum. It is a very old tale, no doubt, but which may bear being told once more, brimful as it is of human interest.

The narrative has been drawn from a vast mass of letters and other original documents, including some very curious autobiographical memoirs... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – The Life of John Clare

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