In the pantheon of Irish literary figures, few names carry the weight of both political revolution and artistic brilliance quite like Lady Jane Wilde. Born Jane Francesca Elgee on December 27, 1821, in Wexford, Ireland, she would become one of the most influential voices of Irish nationalism, a celebrated poet writing under the pseudonym "Speranza," and the mother of one of literature's most iconic figures, Oscar Wil…
“The women of Ireland have always been the guardians of its faith and its traditions.”
Neighbourhood:
Folk & Ballad Poets, Irish Poets, Political Poets, Women Poets
Emotional landscape: Longing, Despair, Sorrow
Robert Southey was born in Bristol on 12 August 1774 and died at Greta Hall, near Keswick in the Lake District, on 21 March 1843. During his lifetime he was among the most visible men of letters in Britain: a poet, historian, biographer, reviewer, editor, translator, political commentator, children’s writer, and, from 1813 until his death, Poet Laureate. Yet posterity has treated him unevenly. He is often remembered…
“A good man and a wise man may at times be angry with the world, at times grieved for it; but be sure no man was ever discontented with the world if he did his duty in it.”
Neighbourhood:
Hymn Writers, Nature Poets, Political Poets, Romantic Poets
Emotional landscape: Sorrow, Irony, Wonder