Robert Southey

Born in Bristol on August 12, 1774, Robert Southey grew into one of the busiest literary figures of his age. He was closely linked with Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth, and the three are often grouped as the Lake Poets. Early in life he held bold political ideas, though his views became more conservative over time.

Southey wrote far more than lyric poetry. He produced long narrative poems, prose histories, biographies, reviews, and essays, building a reputation as a tireless professional writer. He became Poet Laureate in 1813 and held the post until his death on March 21, 1843.

Today, he is remembered both for his place in the Romantic movement and for the sheer breadth of his work. Even readers who know him mainly through his connection to Wordsworth and Coleridge often find his career striking for its ambition, discipline, and variety.