The Castaway
Th’ Atlantic billows roar’d,
When such a destin’d wretch as…
William Cowper (1731-1800) was an English poet and hymnodist, renowned for his contributions to 18th-century literature. Born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, Cowper was the fourth child of Reverend John Cowper, a rector. His early life was marked by personal tragedy, including the death of his mother when he was just six years old. This event profoundly affected him and is a recurrent theme in his poetry.
Educated at Westminster School, Cowper initially pursued a legal career, though he never practiced law. His life was plagued by periods of severe depression, leading to multiple stays in mental asylums. Despite these struggles, Cowper's friendship with clergyman John Newton proved to be a turning point. The two collaborated on "Olney Hymns" (1779), a collection featuring some of Cowper's best-known hymns like "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" and "There is a Fountain Filled with Blood."
Cowper's later works include "The Task" (1785), a blank-verse poem that solidified his literary reputation. His poetry is characterized by its themes of nature, daily life, and reflection on human suffering. William Cowper's writings remain influential, reflecting a poignant blend of personal anguish and spiritual reflection that resonates through centuries.