Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Date of Birth: October 21, 1772

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: July 25, 1834

Biography

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born on October 21, 1772, in Ottery St Mary, Devon, England. He was an English poet, literary critic, philosopher, and theologian who, along with his friend William Wordsworth, founded the Romantic Movement in England. Coleridge was known for his lyrical poetry, including the famous works “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” and “Kubla Khan.” Coleridge’s early education was at Christ’s Hospital in London, where he met lifelong friend Charles Lamb. He later attended Jesus College, Cambridge but left without a degree. He was heavily influenced by German philosophy and literature, and his critical work laid the foundations for modern literary criticism. Coleridge struggled with health issues and opium addiction throughout his life, which impacted his productivity and personal relationships. Despite these challenges, he left an indelible mark on English literature and criticism. He died on July 25, 1834, in Highgate, London, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be studied and celebrated.

5 Interesting Facts about Samuel Taylor Coleridge

1. Samuel Taylor Coleridge is credited with introducing the concept of the “suspension of disbelief” in literary criticism.

2. His poem “Kubla Khan” was composed under the influence of opium and was famously left unfinished.

3. Coleridge co-founded the “Lyrical Ballads” with William Wordsworth, which is considered a cornerstone of the English Romantic Movement.

4. He was a member of the Lake Poets, a group of poets who lived in the Lake District of England.

5. Coleridge’s philosophical writings were deeply influenced by German philosopher Immanuel Kant and the transcendentalists.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Samuel Taylor Coleridge

1. “Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.”

2. “What if you slept? And what if, in your sleep, you dreamed? And what if, in your dream, you went to heaven and there plucked a strange and beautiful flower? And what if, when you awoke, you had the flower in your hand? Ah, what then?”

3. “The love of a mother is the veil of a softer light between the heart and the heavenly Father.”

4. “A sadder and a wiser man, He rose the morrow morn.”

5. “He prayeth best, who loveth best all things both great and small.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Coleridge did not achieve significant financial success during his lifetime, and his net worth was relatively modest. His highest net worth is estimated to be around £300, which was a modest sum even by the standards of his time.

Children

Samuel Taylor Coleridge had four children with his wife, Sarah Fricker: 1. Hartley Coleridge (1796-1849): A poet and writer in his own right. 2. Berkeley Coleridge (1798-1799): Died in infancy. 3. Derwent Coleridge (1800-1883): Became a noted scholar and educator. 4. Sara Coleridge (1802-1852): An accomplished translator and writer.