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Cover of The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume II.

The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume II.

Written by Theophilus Cibber

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Poets, EnglishPoets, Irish

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About this book

"The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland" by Theophilus Cibber is a historical account written in the mid-18th century. This work, which forms part of a multi-volume collection, delves deeply into the lives and contributions of various poets from Great Britain and Ireland, documenting their careers, styles, and notable works. The opening of this volume begins with a note about its publication and the intention to compile the lives of various poets, showcasing the contributions of lesser-known figures, such as Anthony Brewer and Thomas May. Each poet is introduced with summaries of their works, influence, and context within their time, often highlighting their interactions with contemporaneous literary and political figures. For instance, the narrative recounts how Brewer's talent stemmed from the era of Charles I, detailing his various plays and the impact of his work, as well as including interesting anecdotes that connect these poets to historical events, like Oliver Cromwell’s performance in one of Brewer’s plays. Overall, the text reveals both the personal and artistic dimensions of each poet, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of their literary legacies.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume II., written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 15 hours
  • advanced
  • Informative
  • Historical
  • Scholarly

Theophilus Cibber's "The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume II" is a significant 18th-century work of literary history, meticulously compiling biographical accounts of various poets from Great Britain and Ireland. This volume, part of a larger collection, focuses on documenting the careers, styles, and notable works of figures like Anthony Brewer and Thomas May, often highlighting lesser-known contributors to the literary landscape. Through detailed summaries, anecdotes, and contextual information, the book aims to preserve their legacies and illustrate their interactions with contemporary literary and political spheres. It serves as an invaluable historical record, offering insights into the personal and artistic dimensions of these poets and the broader literary culture of their times.

“"It is the design of this work to compile the lives of various poets, showcasing the contributions of lesser-known figures, alongside those whose fame has long been established."”

Key themes

Literary Legacy and Canon Formation
The book's fundamental purpose is to record and preserve the legacies of poets, both famous and obscure, thereby contributing to the formation of the literary canon. It explores how certain poets are remembered, what aspects of their lives and works are deemed significant, and the historical processes through which literary reputations are established or lost.
The Interplay of Art, Politics, and Patronage
Cibber frequently highlights how poets' careers were intertwined with the political climate and the support (or lack thereof) from patrons. This theme examines the external forces that shaped artistic creation, influencing subject matter, career trajectories, and even the survival of works.
The Nature of Biographical Truth and Anecdote
The book, characteristic of its era, often blends verifiable facts with engaging anecdotes. This raises questions about the construction of biographical truth, the role of personal stories in understanding a life, and the potential for bias or embellishment in historical accounts. It implicitly explores how narrative shapes perception.

Worth discussing

How does Cibber's approach to literary biography differ from modern biographical practices, and what are the implications of these differences?

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