Call Number:

C0135

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.25 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Joseph Hill Collection of William Cowper, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1716-1825 (inclusive) and 1760-1810 (bulk)

Creator:

Cowper, William, 1731-1800

Form:

Correspondence.

Abstract:

The Joseph Hill Collection of William Cowper consists of correspondence between Cowper, a famed British poet, and Hill, his close friend and mentor.

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.

Consists primarily of correspondence of Joseph Hill with Cowper and with members of the Cowper circle of family and friends. Four letters by Cowper are included. The collection also contains miscellaneous financial documents, engravings, and a copy of a poem about Cowper.

Arranged alphabetically by correspondent.