Charles Lamb (1775–1834) was an English essayist, poet, and critic, famous for his Essays of Elia, a collection of personal, humorous, and reflective essays published between 1823 and 1833. A lifelong resident of London, Lamb's work offers a warm and witty glimpse into everyday life. He worked as a clerk for the East India Company, all while fostering friendships with literary icons, including Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Despite facing personal tragedy, including caring for his sister *Mary*, who suffered from mental illness, Lamb's writings continue to enchant readers for their charm and deep understanding of human nature.
Key Contributions
Essays of Elia, Tales from Shakespeare, Specimens of English Dramatic Poets, Mrs. Leicester's School.
Early life and education
Born on February 10, 1775, in Crown Office Row, Inner Temple, London, Charles Lamb was the youngest of three surviving siblings. His father worked as a clerk for a barrister, which influenced the family’s circumstances. At the age of eight, he began attending Christ’s Hospital, a charitable boarding school, where he formed a notable friendship with fellow student Samuel Taylor Coleridge. During his time there, he learned Greek and Latin, laying the foundation for his strong classical education. After leaving school in 1789, Lamb faced challenges due to a speech impediment that hindered his ability to pursue the clergy, a common route for university education at the time. Instead, he took a job as a clerk, eventually finding a long-term position at the East India Company. His early life also revolved around close bonds, particularly with his sister Mary and their aunt Hetty.
Literary career and major works
Charles Lamb was an English writer known for his essays, poetry, and children's literature. He started his literary career primarily as a poet, with early contributions to collections by notable figures like Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1796 and Charles Lloyd in 1798. He published works such as A Tale of Rosamund Gray in 1798 and the poetic tragedyJohn Woodvil in 1802. Although his poetry did not quite reach the heights of praise enjoyed by his Romantic contemporaries, his poem “The Old Familiar Faces,” first published in 1789, stands out and is still considered his most recognized work.
Lamb is particularly celebrated for his essays. His major breakthrough occurred in 1820 when he adopted the pen name Elia to share personal essays in the London Magazine. These essays were later collected into two volumes: Essays of Elia in 1823 and The Last Essays of Elia in 1833. His essays are cherished for their conversational tone, humor, and insightful comments about everyday life; they primarily present an appreciation of ordinary people and scenes in the city, which contrasts with the lofty nature-driven themes favored by his peers like Wordsworth. The array of topics he tackled spanned from actors and beggars to marriage, childhood, and drinking. Lamb’s unique style, featuring subtle wit and an idiosyncratic voice, solidified his position as one of the standout essayists in English literature.
In addition to his essays, Lamb frequently collaborated with his sister Mary in creating literature for children. Together, they produced Tales from Shakespeare in 1807, which masterfully retold Shakespeare’s plays for younger audiences; this work remains popular and continues to be published today. They also wrote Mrs. Leicester’s School in 1809 and a version of Homer’s Odyssey titled The Adventures of Ulysses in 1808, showcasing Lamb's affection for children's literature and stories with moral lessons.
Lamb's critical contributions are notable as well, particularly in his book Specimens of English Dramatic Poets Who Lived About the Time of Shakespear, published in 1808, which curated pieces from Elizabethan drama. His comments on literature were often brief and carefully crafted, showcasing his takes on figures like Shakespeare and artist William Hogarth. This critical work drew admiration from Romantics like Keats, further establishing Lamb's intellectual reputation.
Ultimately, though Lamb tried various genres, it is his essays and his children's literature collaborations that have had a lasting impact, blending literary depth, humor, and a profound understanding of common life.
Personal life and relationships
Personal life for Charles Lamb revolved around family commitments and unfulfilled love. Born in 1775, he struggled with a lifelong speech stutter, which limited his career dreams of becoming a clergyman. The bond with his sister Mary was both close and burdensome, especially after she suffered a mental breakdown and tragically killed their mother; he spent much of his time caring for her, an experience that significantly impacted his life. Lamb's heart belonged to Ann Simmons, a young woman he met in Hertfordshire. Unfortunately, despite his deep affection over the years, she turned him down and chose to marry someone else, leading to a "great disappointment" that influenced his writings. For over twenty years, Lamb worked at the British East India Company, nurturing friendships with notable literary figures while passionately exploring books, theater, and rich conversations.
Later works and legacy
Charles Lamb’s later works solidified his reputation as a leading essayist and literary critic in early 19th-century England. His most famous collection, Essays of Elia (1823), showcased his witty and intimate reflections on everyday life, nostalgia, and literature, resonating deeply with readers. Following this, The Last Essays of Elia (1833) continued his exploration of personal and imaginative themes. Lamb’s critical writings, including Specimens of English Dramatic Poets Who Lived About the Time of Shakespeare (1808), helped revive interest in Shakespeare’s contemporaries and influenced later Romantic poets like Keats. Collaborating with his sister Mary, he co-authored Tales from Shakespeare (1807), a children’s adaptation that remains in print due to its enduring appeal. Lamb’s legacy lies in his distinctive prose style, blending humor and sentimentality, making him a cornerstone of English essay writing and literary criticism.
Influence and contributions to literature
Significantly influencing English literature, Charles Lamb is best known for his essays and literary criticism. His Essays of Elia, written under the pseudonym Elia, are notable for their personal, reflective, and humorous style. This work combines nostalgic themes with childhood experiences and literary critique, shaping the Romantic essay genre by making prose more intimate and conversational. Lamb also made contributions to children's literature by co-authoring Tales from Shakespeare with his sister Mary, which simplified Shakespeare’s plays while maintaining their essence. Additionally, Specimens of English Dramatic Poets helped revive interest in lesser-known Elizabethan playwrights, impacting 19th-century English verse. His friendships with Romantic poets such as Coleridge and Wordsworth, along with his critical writings, enriched English prose and drama, securing Lamb's legacy as a pivotal figure in early 19th-century literature.
Philosophical views and beliefs
Charles Lamb's philosophical views were shaped by his personal experiences and a complex Christian faith. He saw Christianity not just as formal teachings but as a source of comfort and moral guidance; he considered the New Testament his "best guide" for living, finding solace in the Psalms. In his writings, Lamb explored themes of human frailty, often reflecting on mental illness, mortality, and vulnerability with empathy and quiet strength—differentiating himself from the idealized human potential of many Romantic writers. He valued friendship significantly, discussing its joys and pains as vital to human experience. Though supportive of liberal ideas, Lamb held intricate views on social issues, including race. His distinct style, influenced by earlier English prose, mixed delicate humor and emotional depth, allowing his thoughts to resonate deeply while remaining accessible.
Final years and death
In his final years, Charles Lamb experienced increasing loneliness and depression. Following the marriage of Emma Isola, whom he and his sister Mary had adopted, Lamb found himself more isolated. In 1833, he relocated to Edmonton to ensure Mary’s care with trusted friends. On December 22, 1834, he fell and scraped his cheek, leading to erysipelas, a severe bacterial skin infection. Tragically, he passed away just five days later, on December 27, 1834, at the age of 59. His sudden death deeply affected both friends and the literary community. Lamb’s commitment to caring for his mentally ill sister Mary marked a significant aspect of his life; she would outlive him by thirteen years. His contributions were commemorated by contemporaries like Wordsworth, who recognized his virtues and literary talent.
Summarize more, read faster.
Generate unlimited text summaries quickly and easily with our AI-powered summarizer.
