Abraham Cowley

Abraham Cowley (1618-1667) was an English poet and essayist, whose work marked a significant transition between the metaphysical and Augustan ages of English literature. Born in London, Cowley was the son of a stationer. His early promise as a poet was evident when he published a collection of poetry, "Poeticall Blossomes," at the tender age of 15. Cowley attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he immersed himself in the classics and continued to develop his literary talents.

During the English Civil War, Cowley was a staunch Royalist, serving as a courier and secretary for the exiled Queen Henrietta Maria in France. His dedication to the Royalist cause often overshadowed his literary career, and it was only with the Restoration in 1660 that he returned to England. Despite his hopes, Cowley did not advance as far as he wished at court.

Cowley's literary contributions were diverse. His "Pindarick Odes," though often criticized for their complexity, showed innovative use of irregular verse. His essays, meanwhile, were widely appreciated for their charm and insight. Despite falling out of favor towards the end of his life, Cowley's influence on English poetry endures. He spent his final years in Chertsey, Surrey, where he died on July 28, 1667, leaving a legacy as a bridge between poetic eras.