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Unlike other British Romantic poets, William Wordsworth (1770–1850) lived a long life. This fact afforded him the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of his labors, which included financial security, numerous honorary degrees, and eventually the status of Poet Laureate. His best poetry, much of which is autobiographical, explores how his experience in and reflection on natural landscapes shaped him as both a man and a poet. As a youth of vigorous, physical capability, he spent a great deal of time outdoors. He also cultivated an early love of books and poetry. After an unsatisfying education at Cambridge, he went on walking tours in the Alps and the Welsh countryside, then spent an influential year in France. After returning to England, he experienced an emotional breakdown. But things turned around when an unexpected inheritance enabled him to devote himself to poetry. Around the same time, he befriended fellow poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Though a major quarrel would later trouble their relationship, they eventually repaired their friendship. Along with Coleridge, the most influential person in Wordsworth’s life was his beloved sister, Dorothy. All three eventually settled in the village of Grasmere. There, Wordsworth continued his lifelong work on his autobiographical masterpiece, The Prelude, which was published after his death.

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