- Collection Overview
- Collection Description & Creator Information
- Access & Use
- Collection History
- Find Related Materials
Expanded View
Collection Overview
- Creator:
- Cowper, William, 1731-1800 and Princeton University. Library. Special Collections
- Collector:
- Princeton University. Library. Special Collections
- Title:
- Princeton University Library Collection of William Cowper Materials
- Repository:
- Manuscripts Division
- Permanent URL:
- http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/1n79h431f
- Dates:
- 1634-1877 (mostly 1770-1820)
- Size:
- 1 box and 0.2 linear feet
- Storage Note:
- Firestone Library (mss): Box 1
- Language:
- English
Abstract
Consists primarily of the correspondence of renowned poet William Cowper as well as the correspondence of family, friends, and associates, much of which relates to Cowper.
Collection Description & Creator Information
- Description:
Consists primarily of the correspondence of Cowper with some other documents, including a manuscript, notes, and memorabilia. Also included is the correspondence of family, friends, and associates, much of which relates to Cowper. Some of the correspondents include John Flaxman, Samuel Rose, Samuel Teedon, William Hayley, John Johnson, Joseph Johnson, John Newton, and Thomas Park.
- Collection Creator Biography:
Cowper, William, 1731-1800
William Cowper was an English poet. Born in 1731 in Great Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, Cowper was schooled in Markyate and Winchester and trained for a career in law. However, he found himself ill-suited for the profession and instead was appointed a commissioner in bankruptcy. He suffered from severe mental instability and was institutionalized on several occasions. A true romantic, Cowper wrote much of his poetry in honor of the women in his life. Among his most famous compositions are The Task and The Journey of John Gilpin. Cowper died in 1800.
Joseph Hill was a close friend of Cowper who served as his mentor in matters of business.
Collection History
- Acquisition:
The collection has resulted from the miscellaneous gifts of numerous donors and purchases over the years.
Gifts of Charles Ryskamp, A.N.L. Munby, and others.
- Custodial History
The collection was formed as a result of a departmental practice of combining into one collection manuscript material of various accessions relating to a particular author.
- Appraisal
No appraisal information is available.
- Processing Information
This collection was processed in 1998. Finding aid written in 1998.
Biography written by Alyxandra Cullen, '09.
Finding aid updated by Faith Charlton in August 2015.
Access & Use
- Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research use.
- Conditions Governing Use
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. No further photoduplication of copies of material in the collection can be made when Princeton University Library does not own the original. Inquiries regarding publishing material from the collection should be directed to RBSC Public Services staff through the Ask Us! form. The library has no information on the status of literary rights in the collection and researchers are responsible for determining any questions of copyright.
- Credit this material:
Princeton University Library Collection of William Cowper Materials; Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library
- Permanent URL:
- http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/1n79h431f
- Location:
-
Firestone LibraryOne Washington RoadPrinceton, NJ 08544, USA
- Storage Note:
- Firestone Library (mss): Box 1
Find More
- Bibliography
The following sources were consulted during preparation of biographical note: The Cowper and Newton Museum.
- Subject Terms:
- Epic poetry, Greek -- Translations.
Poets, English -- 18th century. - Genre Terms:
- Contracts -- England --17th century.
Legal instruments -- England --17th century.
