William Cowper (1) (1731–1800)

Cowper was one of those gentle empathetic souls, like Anne Bronte, who should never have been exposed to the idea of hell and damnation; it caused them great mental torment, and no wonder. Favourites: “Light shining out of darkness” (= “God moves in a mysterious way”) and “The Retired Cat” about a cat accidentally shut in a drawer. He gave us the often-misquoted “The cups that cheer, but not inebriate”, in “The Task”, and also the lovely word “stercoraceous”, show more describing his compost heap, also in “The Task”. show less

Presumably this book of two poems by William Cowper is in our holdings because it's the classic example of illustrations by Randolph Caldecott, after whom the Caldecott Medal was named. The first poem in the book, "John Gilpin's Ride," is funny and delightful. The second poem, "Babes in the Wood," has perhaps the most horrible ending of any children's poem ever and I wish I had not read it, because now I am a sad parent. Caldecott's illustrations, sadly, make it harder to wipe from my memory.

cowper seems a decent fellow. he is anti-slavery and pro-bunny. he even sustains a certain vigor in something like Yardley Oak. but to imagine that he presages the Romantics, especially compared to a contemporary like GRAY, is a bit excessive.

I gave this two stars a few years ago as I didn’t really enjoy it. But I’ve read it again and found more appreciation for Cowper’s humour. It really is silly stuff.