Philip James Bailey

Date of Birth: April 22, 1816

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: September 6, 1902

Biography

Philip James Bailey was an English poet, best known for his epic poem “Festus,” which gained considerable acclaim in the 19th century. Born on April 22, 1816, in Nottingham, England, Bailey was the son of Thomas Bailey, a journalist and later a proprietor of a newspaper. He was educated at Nottingham Grammar School and later went on to study Law at Glasgow University. However, his true passion lay in literature and poetry, and he soon dedicated his life to writing. Bailey’s “Festus” was first published in 1839 and immediately garnered attention for its ambitious scope and imaginative depth. The poem, which revolves around the Faust legend, was continuously revised and expanded throughout his life, reflecting Bailey’s evolving thoughts and philosophies. “Festus” was notable for its bold exploration of themes such as life, death, and the human condition, and it was acclaimed by contemporaries for its originality and poetic brilliance. Bailey continued to write poetry and essays throughout his life, though none of his later works achieved the same level of fame as “Festus.” He was a prominent figure in the literary circles of his time and maintained friendships with other notable poets and writers. Despite this, much of his life remains somewhat obscure, and he did not achieve widespread financial success. Philip James Bailey passed away on September 6, 1902, in Nottingham, leaving behind a legacy defined by his singular, monumental work, “Festus.”

5 Interesting Facts about Philip James Bailey

1. Philip James Bailey’s “Festus” was initially published anonymously.

2. Bailey’s father, Thomas Bailey, was also a writer and the author of “Annals of Nottinghamshire.”

3. “Festus” was inspired by Goethe’s “Faust,” but Bailey took a more optimistic view of humanity’s potential.

4. Bailey was an advocate for vegetarianism, which was quite uncommon in his time.

5. Despite the initial success of “Festus,” Bailey lived a relatively modest life financially.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Philip James Bailey

1. “We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; in feelings, not in figures on a dial.”

2. “The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deep moans round with many voices.”

3. “Life is a narrow vale between the cold and barren peaks of two eternities.”

4. “Poetry is itself a thing of God; He made his prophets poets; and the more we feel of poesie do we become like God in love and power.”

5. “Art is man’s nature: Nature is God’s art.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Philip James Bailey did not achieve significant financial success during his lifetime; thus, his net worth was modest, reflective of a poet devoted more to his craft than to commercial gain.