Poetical Works

Wordsworth's visionary intensity and simplicity of style made him one of the most popular Romantic poets. Wordsworth's major theme was the influence of nature on man, and this was explored and expounded to great acclaim through the Lyrical Ballads . These remain a landmark in the history of English romanticism for their innovative, elementary style and their treatment of familiar objects and ordinary people. As a young man Wordsworth was inspired by revolutionary ideals and heartfelt passions which influenced his poetry. With great lucidity he wrote a range of celebrated sonnets, evocative odes, and majestic blank verse. He was a great innovator and his poetical works have permanently enlarged the range of English poetry, both in subject matter and in execution. This book contains every piece of verse known to have been published by the poet himself, including the 1850 text of The Prelude .