The Major Works - Paperback

The definitive scholarly collection of William Wordsworth's poetry and prose—a comprehensive edition featuring The Prelude, his autobiographical masterpiece, alongside his greatest poems, critical prefaces, and essential writings that defined the Romantic movement.

This major works edition is the essential volume for serious readers of Wordsworth, bringing together his most important poetry, including the complete text of The Prelude, his epic exploration of the growth of a poet's mind. William Wordsworth (1770-1850) stands as one of the towering figures of English literature, and this collection presents the full scope of his achievement—from his revolutionary early lyrics to his mature philosophical poetry.

What you'll discover:

• The Prelude—his autobiographical masterpiece on memory, imagination, and poetic development
• "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey"—meditation on nature and spiritual renewal
• "Ode: Intimations of Immortality"—profound exploration of childhood, memory, and transcendence
• Lyrical Ballads selections—the revolutionary poems that launched Romanticism
• Major sonnets, odes, and narrative poems
• Preface to Lyrical Ballads—Wordsworth's manifesto on poetic theory and language
• Critical prose and letters illuminating his poetic vision
• Scholarly introduction, notes, and chronology providing essential context

The Prelude is Wordsworth's crowning achievement—a vast autobiographical poem tracing his development from childhood through his experiences in revolutionary France to his maturity as a poet. It's one of the greatest long poems in English, exploring consciousness, memory, nature, and the imagination with unprecedented depth and beauty.

This scholarly edition provides not only the poetry but the critical apparatus needed to fully appreciate Wordsworth's achievement. The introduction and notes illuminate his historical context, philosophical influences, and literary innovations, while the inclusion of his critical prose reveals his revolutionary ideas about poetry, language, and the role of the poet.

Perfect for: Students and scholars of Romantic literature, readers seeking the complete Wordsworth experience including The Prelude, those interested in poetic theory and the development of Romanticism, literature majors and graduate students, serious poetry readers wanting comprehensive scholarly editions, and anyone ready to engage deeply with one of England's greatest poets.

This paperback edition presents Wordsworth's major works with scholarly introduction and notes—the essential comprehensive collection for understanding the full scope of his genius.