Biographia Epistolaris, Volume 2: being The Biographical Supplement of Coleridge's Biographia Literaria

"Biographia Epistolaris, Volume 2" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a collection of letters, considered a biographical supplement to Coleridge's earlier work, "Biographia Literaria," written in the early 19th century. The text delves into Coleridge's thoughts and observations during significant periods of his life, offering insights into his experiences in Malta and Italy, as well as his interactions with prominent contemporaries such as William Wordsworth and Thomas De Quincey. The opening of this volume introduces Coleridge as he embarks on a voyage to Malta in 1804, reflecting on the nature of health, advice, and human connections through a letter addressed to friend J. Tobin. As Coleridge recounts his travels from Portsmouth to Gibraltar and into Malta, he shares his rich internal monologue filled with philosophical musings, which reveals his struggles and aspirations during a tumultuous time in his life. The letters serve not only as a record of his journey but also as a medium for Coleridge to articulate his evolving views on health, morality, religion, and friendship.