The Prelude
The Prelude
Book Brief
200
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
England • 18th century
1799
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Prelude by William Wordsworth is an 1850 autobiographical poem in blank verse, which traces the poet's development from childhood to adulthood, exploring his formative experiences in England's Lake District, his education at Cambridge, his interactions with the French Revolution, and his eventual return to nature to reflect on the importance of imagination and memory.
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Inspirational
Serene
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
4,008 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
The Prelude by William Wordsworth is lauded for its profound introspection and sublime reflection on nature, tracing the poet's own spiritual and artistic growth. While some readers find its language dense and narrative meandering, the vivid imagery and emotional depth resonate deeply, solidifying its status as a seminal work in Romantic literature.
Who Should Read The Prelude?
Readers who cherish introspective and nature-centric poetry, as well as fans of Romantic literature, will enjoy William Wordsworth's The Prelude. Comparable to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Biographia Literaria and John Keats's Endymion, this autobiographical piece appeals to those who appreciate contemplative journeys and poetic exploration of self.
4,008 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Prelude is an autobiographical poem by William Wordsworth that he worked on for over fifty years, reflecting his personal growth and philosophical development.
The poem was not published in its entirety during Wordsworth's lifetime; it first appeared posthumously in 1850, seven months after his death.
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The Prelude was originally intended to serve as the introductory part of a larger work, which Wordsworth never completed, and is thus often referred to as a "poem to Coleridge" in recognition of his close friendship with fellow poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
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200
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
England • 18th century
1799
Adult
18+ years
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