
CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH CLASSICS
George Crabbe’s verse brings ordinary people into striking focus, turning humble village scenes and modest ambitions into vivid, often tender narratives. In the opening tales—such as the mute speaker confronting society, a bittersweet farewell at dusk, and a thoughtful farmer’s quiet pride—he blends gentle humor with sharp observation, revealing the hidden dramas of everyday life. The poems balance moral reflection with a warm, grounded storytelling voice that feels both timeless and intimately personal.
The collection continues with a series of “Tales of the Hall,” where domestic corners become stages for family hopes, rivalries, and the quiet courage of ordinary souls. Through clear, unadorned diction, Crabbe paints characters—schoolboys, an aging bachelor, a devoted sister—who grapple with conscience, love, and duty. Listeners will find a steady rhythm of compassionate insight, inviting them to linger over each modest yet resonant episode.
Language
en
Duration
~14 hours (816K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Paul Marshall and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/Million Book Project)
Release date
2016-01-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1754–1832
Best known for bringing everyday English life into poetry, this Suffolk-born writer mixed sharp observation with real sympathy. His verse tales stood out for their plain style and close attention to ordinary people rather than grand ideals.
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