Early Recollections

Discover the intriguing world of 19th-century literature with Early Recollections by Joseph Cottle. Published by Cambridge University Press in 2015, this captivating 360-page paperback offers a unique glimpse into the life of the influential Bristol bookseller and publisher of the iconic Lyrical Ballads in 1798. Cottle's reminiscences, penned in 1837, are often described as 'unreliable but essential,' providing a fascinating account of the formative years of literary giants such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey, and William Wordsworth. While the narratives may contain evasions and distortions, they remain invaluable for anyone interested in the intricate relationships and dynamics that shaped the Romantic literary movement. Dive into this essential biography to explore the rich history of English poetry and the lives of its most celebrated poets.