Abraham Cowley was an English poet and essayist who lived from 1618 to 1667. He was born in London, England, and was known for his wit, metaphysical poetry, and prose works. Cowley’s contributions played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of his time.
During his early years, Cowley attended Westminster School and later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. His poetic talent became evident at a young age, and he quickly gained recognition for his works. Cowley’s poetry was influenced by the metaphysical poets, and his style often combined complex metaphors with philosophical themes.
Here are some quotes from Abraham Cowley:
- “Life is an incurable disease.”
- “Hope is the dream of a soul awake.”
- “He lives long that lives well, and time misspent is not lived but lost.”
- “Silence is the virtue of fools.”
- “Liberty is the soul’s right to breathe.”
As for his best five books, here are some notable works by Abraham Cowley:
- “The Mistress” (1647) – A collection of love poems that explores themes of desire, longing, and unrequited love.
- “Poetical Blossoms” (1633) – An early collection of Cowley’s poetry, showcasing his metaphysical style and inventive use of language.
- “Essays” (1668) – A collection of essays where Cowley expresses his thoughts on various subjects, including love, friendship, and morality.
- “Pindarique Odes” (1656) – A collection of Cowley’s odes inspired by the works of the ancient Greek poet Pindar. These odes display his skill in crafting elaborate and imaginative verses.
- “The Works of Mr. Abraham Cowley” (1668) – A posthumous collection of Cowley’s poetry and prose, which includes many of his notable works, essays, and plays.
These works demonstrate Abraham Cowley’s poetic prowess, his philosophical reflections, and his ability to capture the complexities of human emotions through his writing.