In Beeghly Libraryâs Special Collections section, one of the many treasures hidden in the shelves is a first edition of âBiographia Literaria; or Biographical Sketches of my Literary Life and Opinionsâ by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Whatâs most special about OWUâs copy, though, is that it is from the personal library of William Wordsworth! Coleridge and Wordsworth were founding members of the Romantic movement in England during the first half of the 19th century. They were also close friends as well as neighbors, and held a great deal of respect for one another. Coleridge frequently mentions Wordsworth throughout the book, describing the first time they met as well as praising his artistic skill. Coleridge also discusses his own views on philosophy and the nature of poetry. Itâs quite an interesting piece on its own, and that it was Wordsworthâs own copy only adds to the intrigue!
Coleridge describes the first time he met Wordsworth
Autograph of Wordsworth on the first page of the Biographia Literaria