Plot summary, “Coleridge: Early Visions” by Richard Holmes in 6 Minutes - Book Review
0"Coleridge: Early Visions" is a biography of Samuel Taylor Coleridge written by Richard Holmes.
In "Coleridge: Early Visions," Richard Holmes takes a fresh approach to examining the life of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of the prominent figures of the Romantic era. Holmes challenges the critical perspectives of previous biographers and seeks to present a more nuanced understanding of Coleridge's character and contributions.
Holmes begins the biography by highlighting the admiration that Coleridge's contemporary, William Wordsworth, had for him. Wordsworth referred to Coleridge as "the most wonderful man" he had ever known. However, subsequent biographers have often approached Coleridge with skepticism and focused on his flaws and struggles.
Throughout "Coleridge: Early Visions," Holmes delves into Coleridge's early life, exploring his childhood, his education, and his intellectual development. The biography examines Coleridge's relationships, his literary collaborations, and his contributions to literature and philosophy. Holmes aims to provide readers with a comprehensive view of Coleridge's early years, shedding light on the influences and experiences that shaped him as a poet and thinker.
As an acclaimed biographer, Richard Holmes brings his expertise in British and French Romanticism to bear on his portrayal of Coleridge. His meticulous research and engaging storytelling offer readers a vivid and in-depth exploration of the life and work of Samuel Taylor Coleridge during his formative years.
"Coleridge: Early Visions" was recognized for its excellence and was awarded the Whitbread Book of the Year in 1989, cementing Richard Holmes' reputation as a distinguished biographer. It remains a significant contribution to the understanding of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and his role in the Romantic movement.