It was once famously quoted by the celebrated poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge that “I wish our clever young poets would remember my homely definitions of prose and poetry, that is, prose is words in the best order and poetry is the best words in the best order”. Such was the impact of poets on culture from around the 16th century to late 19th century. Poets all over the world were inspired to write subtle pieces that captured the concentrated emotions of mankind and released them right at the moment when the reader reads by the carefully crafted verses. Poets didn’t limit themselves to the common day-to-day activities but even covered themes like war, corruption and many more. Today, these poems are considered a valuable artwork and their manuscripts well preserved to preserve their integrity in depicting human virtues and responses through the power of language. Many a poets have been widely remembered for their contribution to the English language that sealed them a permanent spot in the course of history for generations to come. Below are the top poets that have made a mark with their words and touched our hearts.
.William Wordsworth
Wordsworth was born to John Wordsworth and Anne Coockson on 7 April, 1770 in northwest England as the second of five children. He was one of the pioneers of the introduction of the much talked about Romantic age in English Literature that left a a lasting impact on literary work and developments. One of the prime works under this movement was the “Lyrical Ballads” composed in 1798 that bears testimony to Wordsworth’s command over English literature. A poet’s ‘magnum opus’ is the best work produced by him, termed as a masterpiece. In case of Wordsworth, it was the “Prelude”. His poems “The Solitary Reaper” and “Anecdote for fathers” are some of his best works that to this day are taught to students all over the world. It was Wordsworth who said “Poetry is spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings having originated from emotions recollected in tranquility”. He served as the Poet Laureate of Britain from 1843 to 1850, the year he died.