Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, philosopher, and critic born in 1772. He attended Cambridge University but left without a degree. He befriended Robert Southey and together they planned to start a commune in Pennsylvania. In 1797 he met William Wordsworth and produced much of his best poetic work. He struggled with opium addiction for many years, which affected both his health and productivity. Though he wrote most of his major works early in his career, Coleridge had a significant influence on English literature as a poet, essayist, and literary theorist.

1. Samuel Taylor Coleridge 1772-1834

2. Brief Biography 1772 born the son of a Devonshire clergyman. 1791-94 went to Cambridge intelligent and dreamy child Thoroughly bored Studies suffered Left without attaining a degree Met Robert Southey (future Poet Laureate) at Oxford Became fast friends Started hatching schemes: Starting a commune in Pennsylvania on the Susquehanna Married a pair of sisters 1796, given money by the Wedgwood brothers could concentrate on his literary career. 1797 Met Wordsworth produced his best work.

3. Biography - Continued Went off to Germany: accompanied by William's sister, Dorothy, Gottingen: Coleridge studied philosophy Mastered the German language William and Dorothy lacked Coleridge's knowledge of German miserable during their stay. Lake District northern England Wordsworth's were ecstatic to return to their home region, Coleridge found himself adversely affected by the damp climate. He turned to opium (laudanum, to be precise) to alleviate his ills became addicted. Wandering phase Brought on by: Bad health growing addiction to opium search of relief. 1813 finally turns to a doctor attempt to control his worsening addiction. 1834 dies

4. Literary Traits Extremely versatile poet, essayist, and critic Best known for long, narrative poems Wrote most of his major work within a few years A “spasm of intense effort” Then dropped that style of poetry Strange often “dreamy” imagery One of the few Romantics to retain any traditional religion

5. Impact Through Wordsworth, he ushered in the modern use of “conversational” poetry Some modern scholars have accused him of plagiarism Though often seen as a “broken Archangel, J.S. Mill proclaimed him as one of “the two great seminal minds of England” One of the most influential literary theorists Unlike Wordsworth, he stuck by most of the theories and beliefs that he held in his youth.

6. Did You Know? "Maiden" does "Mariner" On their album "Power Slave", the 80's hair-band Iron Maiden did a rendition of Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner .