The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 3 (of 8)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

12383

Title

The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 3 (of 8)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents William Wordsworth's 1804 poetry, including the iconic "I wandered lonely as a cloud" and "She was a Phantom of delight." Edited by William Knight, it offers scholarly notes on the poems' composition, textual variants, and historical context, revealing the poet's evolving thoughts on nature, imagination, and personal affection.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1896, this volume of William Wordsworth's *Poetical Works* captures a pivotal year in the poet's career, 1804, offering a richly annotated collection that bridges his early romanticism with a more mature, philosophical voice. The text features iconic pieces such as the famous daffodil ode, composed after a walk along Ullswater, and the sonnet "She was a Phantom of delight," which Wordsworth later confirmed was written about his wife, Mary Hutchinson. The collection also includes "The Affliction of Margaret," a poignant poem based on the real story of a Penrith widow, and extensive excerpts from *The Prelude*, detailing the poet's reflections on his own development. Scholarly notes by William Knight provide essential context, clarifying textual changes between editions and discussing the historical backdrop of the French Revolution as seen through Wordsworth's travels. These notes illuminate the life of General Beaupuy, a French officer who influenced the young poet, correcting historical inaccuracies regarding his death and highlighting his chivalric spirit. The volume explores profound themes of memory, solitude, nature's power, and the complexities of human emotion. It documents Wordsworth's transition from the youthful enthusiasm of the revolutionary era to a deeper understanding of the human condition, capturing the evolution of his style and thought during a transformative period in his life.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Poetry