Charles Lamb

Date of Birth: February 10, 1775

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: December 27, 1834

Biography

Charles Lamb was an influential English essayist, poet, and critic, best known for his essays collected under the title “Essays of Elia” and for his children’s book “Tales from Shakespeare,” co-authored with his sister Mary Lamb. Born in London, England, Lamb was educated at Christ’s Hospital, where he formed a lifelong friendship with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. He worked as a clerk at the East India House for 33 years, balancing his writing career with his job. Lamb’s works are celebrated for their wit, charm, and insightful commentary on contemporary life. He was a central figure in the London literary scene and maintained friendships with many of the leading writers of his day, including William Wordsworth and Leigh Hunt.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Lamb

1. Charles Lamb struggled with mental health issues throughout his life and was once confined in an asylum.

2. His sister Mary Lamb, with whom he collaborated on several works, also suffered from mental illness and tragically killed their mother during a bout of insanity.

3. Lamb never married, but he had a deep, unrequited love for Ann Simmons, who inspired much of his romantic poetry.

4. Lamb was a devoted lifelong friend to Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and their correspondence is highly valued for its literary and historical insights.

5. Despite his literary success, Lamb continued to work as a clerk at the East India House until his retirement in 1825.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Lamb

1. “I love to lose myself in other men’s minds.”

2. “A laugh is worth a hundred groans in any market.”

3. “Nothing puzzles me more than time and space; and yet nothing troubles me less, as I never think about them.”

4. “Books think for me.”

5. “My motto is: Contented with little, yet wishing for more.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Charles Lamb’s net worth is not well-documented, but as a clerk and a writer in the 19th century, he likely did not amass significant wealth. His primary income was from his position at the East India House, supplemented by his literary earnings.

Children

Charles Lamb never had any children. He remained a bachelor throughout his life, dedicating much of his time to his writing and caring for his sister Mary.