Origins & Early Life

William Cowper (26 November [O.S. 15 November] 1731 – 25 April 1800) was an English poet and Anglican hymnwriter. One of the most popular poets of his time, Cowper changed the direction of 18th-century nature poetry by writing of everyday life and scenes of the English countryside. In many ways, he was one of the forerunners of Romantic poetry.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Samuel Taylor Coleridge called him "the best modern poet", whilst William Wordsworth particularly admired his poem "Yardley-Oak". After being institutionalised for insanity, Cowper found refuge in a fervent evangelical Christianity. He continued to suffer doubt about his salvation and, after a dream in 1773, believed that he was doomed to eternal damnation. He recovered, and went on to write more religious hymns. His religious sentiment and association with John Newton (who wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace") led to much of the poetry for which he is best remembered, and to the series of Olney Hymns.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His poem "Light Shining out of Darkness" (1773) gave English the phrase: "God moves in a mysterious way/ His wonders to perform." He also wrote a number of anti-slavery poems, and his friendship with Newton, who was an avid anti-slavery campaigner,...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Bartolomeo Cristofori — Contemporary (Died in 1731) (1731): Pioneering Italian instrument maker, credited with inventing the modern piano.
• Benjamin Banneker — Contemporary (Born in 1731) (1731): Self-taught polymath, surveyor, and advocate for racial equality in early America.
• Brook Taylor — Contemporary (Died in 1731) (1731): English mathematician renowned for Taylor's theorem and series.
• Alexander Suvorov — Contemporary (Died in 1800) (1800): Brilliant Russian general whose victories defined military prowess in the late 18th century.
• Dutty Boukman — Contemporary (Born in 1800) (1800): Key leader in the Haitian Revolution, formerly enslaved from Senegambia.
• Edwin Chadwick — Contemporary (Born in 1800) (1800): Pioneering British social reformer known for Poor Law and public health sanitation reforms.
• Adam Mickiewicz — Shared historical date (11-26 · Died) (1855): National Poet of Poland, Romantic master, and leading voice of Slavic literature.
• Bernard Lonergan — Shared historical date (11-26 · Died) (1984): Influential Canadian Jesuit philosopher and theologian of the 20th century.
• Al Pacino — Shared historical date (04-25 · Born) (1940): Intense American actor celebrated for his powerful stage and screen performances.
• Albert Uderzo — Shared historical date (04-25 · Born) (1927): Pioneering French comic artist, co-creator of the iconic Astérix series.
• 1731 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1731
• November 26 (11-26) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 26
• 1800 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1800
• April 25 (04-25) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 25