Cowley's Essays (eBook)

Abraham Cowley (1618–1667) was a prominent English poet and essayist, whose literary craftsmanship helped to usher in the metaphysical style of poetry in the 17th century. Primarily recognized for his poetic works, such as 'The Mistress' and 'Pindarique Odes', Cowley also made notable contributions to prose through his collection 'Cowley's Essays'. This particular work showcases his deftness in articulating both personal reflections and contemplations on the nature of the world, integrating a blend of wit, learnedness, and philosophical inquiry characteristic of his era's literary sensibilities. His essays cover an eclectic range of subjects, including the writing process itself, an indication of his meta-textual awareness and his engagement with the intellectual discourses of his time. Cowley's style is marked by elaborate metaphors and a penchant for melding the intellectual and the imaginative, which has both intrigued and challenged scholars and readers alike. Not as widely known today as some of his contemporaries, Cowley's work nevertheless continues to be of interest for those studying metaphysical poetry and 17th-century English literature. His essays, in particular, provide a valuable lens into the prose of the period, reflecting the nuanced interplay between public and private expression that characterizes the Renaissance and early modern literary canon.