Samuel Taylor Coleridge

NAME Samuel Taylor Coleridge

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, philosopher, and co-founder of the Romantic Movement. He is most famous for his poems The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan, and for his influential critical work Biographia Literaria.

BIRTH Born on October 21, 1772, in the country town of Ottery St Mary, Devonshire, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND His father, Reverend John Coleridge, was a respected vicar and headmaster of Henry VIII's Free Grammar School in Ottery St Mary. Coleridge was the youngest of ten children in the family. Unfortunately, Coleridge's father passed away when he was just eight years old, leaving him at the mercy of his nine older siblings and a stepmother who was said to be cold-hearted and neglectful.

Coleridge's relationship with his mother was a complex one. In later life, he idealized his father as a pious innocent, but his memories of his mother were less positive. 

After his father's death, Coleridge was sent to Christ's Hospital School in London, a charity school for orphans, where he completed his secondary education

CHILDHOOD Coleridge was a temperamental and dreamy child. He was an advanced reader, having read the Arabian Nights by the age of five. At the age of seven, he ran away from home after pulling a knife on an older brother, fearing his mother's reaction. He spent the night in a storm and rain on the bank of the River Otter. Although he was discovered and returned the next morning, the memory of that night would haunt him for the rest of his life.

His childhood was marked by attention-seeking behavior, which has been linked to his dependent personality as an adult. Coleridge was rarely allowed to return home during his schooldays.

EDUCATION During his time at Christ's Hospital, Coleridge became friends with future poet Charles Lamb and other classmates, although he often felt lonely due to the absence of family during vacations. He excelled academically, particularly in classics

In 1792, Coleridge entered Jesus College, Cambridge, where he studied classics. Despite his initial academic promise, his studies were interrupted by heavy drinking and debauchery, which led to massive debts. To avoid paying his debts, he briefly enlisted in the army, but his brother eventually paid for his discharge on a plea of insanity.

During his time at Cambridge, Coleridge became interested in French revolutionary politics and absorbed political and theological ideas that were considered radical at the time, particularly those of Unitarianism. However, his academic career was ultimately unsuccessful, and he left Cambridge without a degree.

CAREER RECORD Coleridge had a multifaceted career, working as a poet, critic, lecturer, and editor.  His most famous works were written during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, including "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner2 (1797-1798) and "Kubla Khan" (published in 1816).

1794 Coleridge joined the 15th Light Dragoons, drawn to the revolutionary ideas of the time. However, his military career was short-lived, and he soon left the army.

1798, Coleridge collaborated with William Wordsworth on "Lyrical Ballads", a landmark collection of poetry that helped to launch the Romantic movement. Despite his literary success, Coleridge continued to struggle financially and turned to criticism and journalism for income.

1804 -1806, He served as the Public Secretary of the British administration of Malta, assisting Governor Sir Alexander John Ball. In this role, he gained valuable experience in government and administration.

1809 - 1810, Coleridge edited The Friend, a weekly magazine that he wrote almost entirely himself. Despite his efforts, the magazine was not a commercial success.

1808 - 1819 Coleridge gave his famous series of lectures on literature and philosophy. His lectures on Shakespeare were particularly influential, helping to revive interest in the playwright. During this period, he also wrote on religion and political theory. Financial donations and grants supplemented his literary income.

In his later years, Coleridge lived a quiet life in Hampstead Heath, pottering around and achieving little of significance. His health declined, and he became increasingly addicted to opium. Coleridge died in 1834, leaving behind a complex legacy as a poet, philosopher, and critic.

APPEARANCE Coleridge's appearance was striking and memorable. He was tall and slender, with a pale complexion and a habit of staring into space, which often caused him to appear absent-minded. His hair was dark and curly, and he had a long, aquiline nose. He was often described as having a melancholy or dreamy expression. 

Coleridge spoke with a west country accent

1795 portrait by Peter Vandyke

Coleridge's drug addiction and health struggles later in life left him physically frail.

FASHION Coleridge was known for his eccentric appearance and habits. He often wore shabby clothes, and his unkempt appearance was a source of amusement to his friends. On one occasion, while riding with a friend, Coleridge suggested that he pass himself off as the friend's servant to avoid being recognized by some approaching acquaintances. His friend refused, replying, "I am proud of you as a friend but would be ashamed of you as a servant."

Coleridge's drug addiction led to obsessive washing, as he was unable to tolerate the slightest atom of dirt on his person. This bodily revulsion was a symptom of his addiction and a source of discomfort for those around him.

CHARACTER Coleridge was a deeply introspective and emotional individual. He was known for his intellectual depth, sensitivity, and inner turmoil, particularly due to his struggles with drug addiction and his feelings of inadequacy.

Coleridge was known for his absent-mindedness and forgetfulness. He frequently lost things, and he was particularly notorious for misplacing his shirts while traveling. He was also deceitful, irresolute, and pessimistic, often leaving letters unopened for weeks in case they contained bad news. His missed deadlines, airy promises, and frank untruths were the subject of much criticism.

Despite his flaws, Coleridge was a brilliant and addicted conversationalist. As Alan Partridge would say he "scaled the north face of chatmandu." 

Coleridge often talked with his eyes closed, and his rambling monologues could be both fascinating and exhausting. As the sage of Highgate, he attracted numerous visitors and disciples. Charles Lamb described a time when he listened to Coleridge's ideas and conversation in his garden until he was forced to slip away due to pressing business. Five hours later, Lamb passed Coleridge's garden again and found him still talking, as if he had not noticed Lamb's departure. Thomas Carlyle described Coleridge as a "wild conversationalist" with a "radiant and moist" face.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Though often somber, Coleridge displayed a sharp wit and humor. His anecdotes and conversations were engaging, and he was known for his profound yet humorous remarks.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's sense of humor is illustrated in several anecdotes and writings. One notable example is found in a playful exchange with an officer inspecting guns. When asked about a rusty gun, Coleridge humorously admitted it must be his, disarming the situation with his candid and self-deprecating wit.

RELATIONSHIPS Coleridge's personal life was marked by turbulent relationships and failed marriages. On October 4, 1795, he married Sarah Fricker, the sister-in-law of his friend Robert Southey in Bristol. The marriage was motivated by a desire to found a democratic colony in Philadelphia and was not based on love. The marriage was a disaster, and the couple separated in 1806.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge had four children with Sarah Fricker:

1. Hartley Coleridge: Born on September 19, 1796, Hartley was the eldest child. He became a poet and essayist, following in his father's literary footsteps.

2. Berkeley Coleridge: Born on May 30, 1798, Berkeley tragically died in infancy on February 16, 1799.

3. Derwent Coleridge: Born on September 14, 1800, Derwent pursued a career in education and became a notable scholar and writer.

4. Sara Coleridge: Born on December 23, 1802, Sara was the only daughter. She became an accomplished author and translator, contributing significantly to English literature.

Sara Coleridge – 1830. Portrait by Richard James Lane

From 1807 to 1811, Coleridge lived with Mary Hutchinson, Wordsworth's future sister-in-law. He had fallen in love with her while still married to Sarah Fricker. After losing her, Coleridge became suicidal for a time.

In addition to his two wives, Coleridge had several other romantic relationships. Dorothy Wordsworth, Wordsworth's sister, fancied Coleridge, but her feelings were not reciprocated.

Coleridge was also reported to have been a "terrible lover" and his opium addiction  likely contributed to his difficulties in intimate relationships.

Coleridge formed deep friendships with many notable figures of his time. His closest friend was William Wordsworth, with whom he collaborated on Lyrical Ballads. He was also a good friend of Charles Lamb, the essayist and humorist.

In addition to literary figures, Coleridge's friends included Humphry Davy, the chemist; industrialists such as Thomas Poole and members of the Wedgwood family; Alexander Ball, the military governor of Malta; the American painter Washington Allston; and the physician James Gillman. These friendships provided Coleridge with support, companionship, and intellectual stimulation.   

Wordsworth: "Samuel Taylor Coleridge is the only wonderful man I ever knew", 

MONEY AND FAME Coleridge's life was plagued by poverty, largely due to his opium addiction. Despite earning a substantial income at various points in his career, including £600 per year as secretary to the governor of Malta, he was never able to achieve self-sufficiency. His addiction to opium was particularly costly, with his weekly spending on the drug equivalent to two weeks' average wages.

Coleridge's literary works were often met with mockery or censure during his lifetime. His three masterpieces, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," "Kubla Khan," and "Christabel," were initially criticized and misunderstood. However, his reputation as a brilliant conversationalist and lecturer at the Royal Institution ensured that he was well-known and respected in his day.

FOOD AND DRINK Coleridge had a simple palate, enjoying comfort foods like toasted cheese, which his wife Sarah would make for him over the fire, and apple dumplings. He also drank alcohol, including wine and punch, and there are accounts of him becoming tipsy after consuming punch.

Coleridge's most significant addiction was to opium, which likely affected his appetite and eating habits. He struggled with this addiction for much of his life. At one point, he attempted to give up alcohol, referring to himself as "aquavorous" (water-drinking) for four days. However, he found it difficult to abstain, and there are mentions of him "pouring down goblet after goblet" during a period when he was supposedly trying to become sober.

MUSIC AND ARTS Coleridge had a profound appreciation for music, which played an important role in his life and work. He was influenced by composers like Mozart and Beethoven and believed that poetry and music shared a close relationship. Coleridge's poem "The Nightingale" reflects this connection, illustrating how music can evoke profound feelings.

He enjoyed singing and participating in musical gatherings, often engaging with friends and fellow poets in musical activities. His friendships with musicians, such as Robert Southey and Charles Lamb, further enriched his musical experiences.

Coleridge sometimes incorporated musical elements into his poetry, using rhythm and meter to create a lyrical quality that mirrored musical compositions. He once remarked, "An ear for music is very different from a taste for music. I have no ear whatever (pardon) I could not sing an air to save my life; but I have the intensest delight in music and can detect good from bad."

Coleridge had a keen interest in the arts and philosophy, particularly during his time in Germany, where he studied German philosophy and literature.

Coleridge contributed to the dramatic arts in several ways. He translated two of Schiller's plays from German into English. He also wrote several original dramas, including Zapolya, which enjoyed successful runs in London and Bristol.

In 1729, Coleridge wrote the tragedy Remorse. This play explored themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of past actions. While not as widely known as his poetry, Remorse demonstrates Coleridge's talent for dramatic writing.

LITERATURE Coleridge was a voracious reader and believed that the best-plotted works in literature were those that tied up all loose ends. He had a habit of scribbling notes and comments in books as he read them, and his collected scribbles filled five volumes. He coined numerous terms in the English language, including "soulmate" and "suspension of disbelief."

Coleridge was an outstanding literary critic, defining prose as "words in their best order" and poetry as "best words in their best order." He once said, "Advice is like snow. The softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, the deeper it sinks into the mind."

Coleridge wrote approximately 750 poems during his lifetime, covering a wide range of subjects and styles. His poetic output included an elegy to his broken shaving pot, highlighting his attention to detail and even the mundane.

Coleridge was an outstanding literary critic, defining prose as "words in their best order" and poetry as "best words in their best order." He once said, "Advice is like snow. The softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, the deeper it sinks into the mind."

Coleridge's key poetic works include:

Lyrical Ballads (1798): Co-written with Wordsworth, this collection of poems marked the beginning of the Romantic era of poetry. 

"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner "(1798): This narrative poem, first published in Lyrical Ballads, is Coleridge's most famous work. It tells the tale of a sailor who is cursed for killing an albatross.

Ode to Dejection (1802): This poem mourns the loss of Coleridge's poetic response to nature.

"Kubla Khan" (1816): This fragmentary poem describes a fantastical landscape and is considered one of Coleridge's greatest achievements. 20 years after Samuel Coleridge composed Kublai Khan after an opium influenced dream, the poem was finally published on May 25, 1816.

"Christabel": This unfinished poem, praised by Shelley as "A Hooded Eagle among blinking Owls," is a tale of supernatural horror and mystery.

Coleridge's poetry is known for its imagery, symbolism, and exploration of complex themes. His influence on subsequent generations of poets is undeniable, and his works continue to be studied and admired today.

NATURE Living in the English countryside at Nether Stowey, Coleridge developed a profound appreciation for nature, which inspired much of his poetry. He often wrote about the mystical and sublime aspects of the natural world.

PETS Coleridge had a deep affection for animals, which is reflected in his poetry and personal writings. For instance, his poem "To a Young Ass" expresses sympathy for animals and highlights his emotional connection to them.

In a letter, Coleridge humorously referred to his cat as "sister" in the "Fraternity of universal Nature," indicating a fondness for animals in general. 

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Coleridge enjoyed long walks in nature, which was a key source of inspiration for his poetry. He loved hill walking: in 1819 Coleridge walked 263 miles through the Scottish Highlands in eight days

He did not engage in sports but took pleasure in intellectual and philosophical pursuits.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Coleridge was fascinated by science and was particularly inspired by the lectures of Sir Humphrey Davy. At one point, he even considered pursuing a career in chemistry himself.

Although he never became a professional scientist, Coleridge remained a keen amateur. He conducted electrical experiments on himself and delivered a series of lectures at the Royal Institution to a large and enthusiastic audience. Unfortunately, his opium addiction hindered his ability to succeed as a scientist.

Coleridge saw science as a way to discover truth and a valuable source of metaphors. He used scientific terms and concepts in his writing, such as comparing Dorothy Wordsworth's taste to an electrometer.

Coleridge was a critical thinker and enjoyed discussing ideas and theories. He was also a meticulous record-keeper, logging everything from the color of his urine to the rate at which his toenails grew. This attention to detail reflects his scientific curiosity and his desire to understand the world around him.

Biographia Literaria, published in 1817, is a critical autobiography by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. While primarily a work of literary criticism and autobiography, it also reveals Coleridge's ongoing engagement with scientific ideas and his attempts to bridge scientific and poetic modes of thought.

In discussing imagination, Coleridge attempted to bring together philosophical and scientific concepts. He drew on ideas from natural philosophy and psychology to explain imagination, demonstrating his interest in integrating scientific and philosophical perspectives.

Coleridge engaged with scientific and philosophical ideas of his time, particularly those of German philosophers and scientists like Kant and Schelling. He discussed the relationship between empirical science and transcendental philosophy, referencing thinkers like Descartes and concepts from natural philosophy.

Coleridge's background in medicine and his interest in scientific topics like chemistry are reflected in some of his discussions, even if not always explicitly. The work shows his attempts to develop a systematic approach to literary criticism and theory, drawing parallels to scientific methods.

Throughout Biographia Literaria, Coleridge tried to integrate scientific and poetic ways of understanding nature and the human mind. This demonstrated his belief in the interconnectedness of these two modes of thought and his desire to explore the boundaries between them.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Coleridge's 1798-9 trip to Germany stimulated an interest in German philosophy. He spent years translating German philosophical works into English, introducing these ideas to a wider English-speaking audience.

Coleridge was a Unitarian and a pantheist, believing that God is present in all things. 

In 1795, Coleridge edited a radical Christian journal, The Watchman, which ran for ten issues. He considered entering the Unitarian ministry and preached throughout the West Country. 

In 1813, Coleridge was in a dire state, both physically and psychologically. He described himself as being in "anguish and remorse of Mind" and experiencing the "Terrors of the Almighty." Struggling with opium addiction and contemplating suicide, Coleridge reached a crisis point in his life.

This period marked a turning point for Coleridge. Around 1810-1814, he began shifting his focus from poetry to literary criticism and developing more systematic philosophical and theological arguments. After 1813, his writings show a stronger emphasis on Christian themes and a move away from his earlier Unitarian beliefs. He began to articulate a more orthodox Anglican theology.

The crisis seems to have prompted deep reflection on his faith. In Biographia Literaria (written 1815-1817), Coleridge discusses how true faith is "a collective energy, a total act of the whole moral being" centered in the heart.

Following this period, Coleridge's work took on a more explicitly Christian character, as he sought to develop a "liberal and rational theology" that recognized the "immanent God found within the human imagination." This crisis and recommitment to Christianity in 1813-1814 appears to have been a pivotal moment that shaped the direction of his later philosophical and theological writings.

After hearing Coleridge preach, the British writer William Hazlitt wrote, "Poetry and philosophy met together. Truth and genius had embraced.... under the eyes of religion."

POLITICS Coleridge held radical political views early in his life and was suspected of being a French spy by the locals of Nether Stowey due to his political and theological ideas. His political views evolved over time, becoming more conservative later in life.

One of Coleridge's utopian dreams was to establish a Pantisocracy (meaning "equal or level government by/for all") in America. He left Cambridge without a degree and joined his university friend, the poet Robert Southey, in a plan to found a utopian society in Pennsylvania. Based on the ideas of William Godwin, this new society was dubbed "Pantisocracy." However, their planned trip to the US came to nothing.

SCANDAL Coleridge’s opium addiction became widely known, and it marred both his personal and professional life. His habit went far beyond casual use, leaving him increasingly erratic and disconnected from reality. The current manager of the Ship Inn in Porlock quipped in a 1997 Sunday Times piece, "Of course by the time he ended up here he was potty with drugs and as likely to be found rolling around in a ditch "

His obsessive washing and other compulsive behaviors were a result of his addiction.

This addiction had a profound effect on his family life, too. He abandoned his wife, Sara, and their children, not seeing his son Hartley for the last 14 years of his life. 

Despite being celebrated as a genius, Coleridge also had a dark side in his intellectual life—he was known to plagiarize German philosophers and critics in his works, yet would deny and deflect these accusations in his drug-addled rambles. The duality of Coleridge's brilliance and self-destruction remains a fascinating, tragic chapter in literary history.

MILITARY RECORD In December 1793, Coleridge enlisted in the 15th Light Dragoons, using the assumed name Silas Tomkyn Comberbache. He joined the army out of desperation, owing a significant amount of money and feeling hopeless about his poetic ambitions.

Coleridge proved to be a poor soldier, struggling with the physical demands of cavalry service. He was described as "totally incapable" as a horseman and frequently fell off his horse during training. Despite his incompetence, Coleridge was well-liked by his fellow soldiers, who considered him a "talking natural" and enjoyed his amusing stories.

Coleridge's true identity was eventually discovered when some officers overheard him discussing Greek literature. Impressed by his knowledge, they helped arrange for his discharge. His family, upon learning of his enlistment, was upset and worked to secure his release. His brother George arranged for his discharge on grounds of insanity.

Coleridge was officially discharged on April 10, 1794, after serving for about four months. Following his discharge, he returned to Cambridge University, though he did not complete his degree.

This brief military episode was a turning point in Coleridge's life, marking a period of personal crisis before he embarked on his literary career in earnest

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Coleridge suffered from poor health throughout his life, including rheumatism, toothaches, and severe opium addiction. 

Around 1796, Coleridge began using opium as a pain reliever for various ailments like toothache and facial neuralgia, documented in both his and Dorothy Wordsworth's notebooks. Back then, opium use wasn't necessarily frowned upon, but there was a significant lack of knowledge about its addictive properties, both physical and psychological.

However, Coleridge's initial use for pain management escalated over time. By 1800, his reliance on opium had become concerning.  His consumption of laudanum, an opium tincture, reached concerning levels –  half a gallon a week for his rheumatism. 

His physical condition deteriorated significantly as his addiction worsened. Despite efforts to control his addiction, Coleridge continued to use opium until his death in 1834. He often expressed regret and guilt over his dependency, which he attributed to the need to relieve physical pain rather than seeking pleasure

Coleridge also wrote about other medical issues like gout and ingrown fingernails, highlighting his personal experiences with various health concerns.

HOMES Coleridge lived in a variety of places. Hre are the main places he lived throughout his life:

Ottery St. Mary, Devon - Coleridge's birthplace, where he spent his early childhood.

London - He attended Christ's Hospital school in London as a boy.

Cambridge - He studied at Jesus College, Cambridge University in the early 1790s.

Bristol - He lived here briefly in the mid-1790s after leaving Cambridge.

Nether Stowey, Somerset - Coleridge lived in a mice infested cottage 1797-1800, rented for £7 a year and described as " a miserable hovel" by Coleridge's wife, Sara. Locals suspected the Coleridges of being French spies. He wrote "Ancient Mariner" there and was later joined by Wordsworth. This is now known as Coleridge Cottage and is preserved by the National Trust.

Coleridge Cottage by Andrew Riley, Wikipedia

Lake District - Coleridge moved to Greta Hall in Keswick in July 1800 and lived there until 1804. Greta Hall was located about 150 meters off Main Street in Keswick.

During his time at Greta Hall, Coleridge wrote the second part of "Christabel" in 1800 and the "Ode to Dejection" in 1802. He also regularly visited his friend William Wordsworth in Grasmere.

Robert Southey and his wife came to stay with the Coleridges at Greta Hall in 1803 and took over the tenancy when Coleridge left in 1804. Greta Hall was visited by many other literary figures during Coleridge's time there, including Wordsworth, Hazlitt, Byron, Keats, Shelley, and others.

Malta - Coleridge spent time in Malta from 1804-1806, working as a secretary to the governor.

London - He returned to London in 1806 and lived there on and off for many years.

Highgate, London - The last 18 years of his life (1816-1834) were spent living as a house guest of a young admirer, Dr. James Gillman in Highgate. Coleridge moved into Gillman's house on April 15, 1816. Coleridge initially intended to stay for only a few weeks to address his addiction. However, he ended up living there for the remaining 18 years of his life, until his death in 1834.

Although Coleridge continued to struggle with opium use, living with Gillman helped him reduce his intake and stabilize his condition to some extent.

He also traveled extensively, spending time in Germany, Italy, and other parts of England at various points.

The cottage in Nether Stowey and his time in the Lake District were particularly important periods for Coleridge's poetry writing. His later years in London and Highgate were more focused on lecturing, criticism, and philosophy.

TRAVEL In 1798-9, Coleridge spent ten months in Germany with the Wordsworths. He soon went his own way, spending much of his time in German university towns.

In 1804, Coleridge made a voyage to Malta as a paying passenger on a merchant ship. During this trip, he worked on but never finished a piece titled "Consolations and Comforts from the Exercise and Right Application of the Reason, the Imagination and Moral Feelings Addressed Especially to those in Sickness Adversity; or Distress of Mind from Speculative Gloom."

Coleridge lived in Maltafrom 1804-06  and traveled in Sicily and Italy, hoping that leaving Britain's damp climate would improve his health and reduce his consumption of opium.

He was also known for his frequent long walks and travels within England.

DEATH Coleridge died on July 25, 1834, in Highgate, London, from heart failure, likely compounded by a lung disorder linked to his opium use.

Coleridge was initially buried in the crypt of the Highgate School Chapel after his death in 1834. Due to weathering and structural issues with the chapel, his remains, along with those of his family members, were transferred to the crypt of St. Michael’s Church, Highgate, in 1961.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Coleridge has been portrayed in various films, documentaries, and biographical works, often emphasizing his role in the Romantic movement and his struggles with addiction. They include:

1. Film and Television: Coleridge was referenced in the TV series Penny Dreadful (2014–2016), which delves into the darker aspects of Victorian literature, often drawing inspiration from Coleridge's Romantic themes of the supernatural and the human psyche.

In The Man Who Haunted Himself (1970), starring Roger Moore, Coleridge's poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is recited, alluding to the haunting nature of the film's themes.

Linus Roache portrayed Samuel Taylor Coleridge in the 2000 film Pandemonium, directed by Julien Temple. The film explores the complex relationship between Coleridge and fellow Romantic poet William Wordsworth, played by John Hannah. It delves into their creative collaboration, as well as Coleridge's personal struggles with addiction and mental health.

2. Music:  Iron Maiden’s heavy metal epic "Rime of the Ancient Mariner "(1984) is a direct retelling of Coleridge's famous poem, spanning over 13 minutes. The song encapsulates the eerie and fateful journey of the mariner.

The band Fleetwood Mac also adapted Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner in their early bluesy phase (1968) in a more concise, acoustic style.

3. Literature Coleridge appears as a character in Tom Stoppard’s play The Invention of Love (1997), where his complicated relationship with fellow Romantic poets and his troubled life are discussed.

His influence extends into modern literary works like the Philip Pullman series His Dark Materials, where Coleridge’s metaphysical explorations of imagination, morality, and the mind echo in the themes of the books.

4. Documentaries and Biopics: The BBC has explored Coleridge’s life in several documentaries, often focusing on his opium addiction, literary genius, and his complicated friendship with William Wordsworth. One such documentary, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Samuel Taylor Coleridge (BBC, 2017), provides insight into the creation of his iconic poem.

ACHIEVEMENTS Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s greatest achievements include his contributions to the Romantic Movement, his influential literary criticism, and his creation of enduring works like 2The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan." He also coined many words that remain in use today, including "pessimism" and "dynamic."

Sources (a) Novels and Novelists by Martin Seymour-Smith (Editor) (b) 5,000 Gems of Wit and Wisdom (c) Faber Book of Anecdotes (d) The London Times 1997 (e) Encarta