Charles Lamb (1775-1834) was an English essayist, poet, and antiquarian, whose literary contributions have left an indelible mark on English literature. Born in London, Lamb's life was a blend of personal tragedy and literary brilliance. He is best known for his essays collected in "Essays of Elia," which offer a charming and introspective look at everyday life, imbued with wit, warmth, and a deep sense of humanity.Lamb's early life was marred by family struggles, including his sister Mary's mental illness, which culminated in the tragic death of their mother. Lamb's devotion to Mary, whom he cared for throughout his life, adds a poignant layer to his biography. Despite these personal challenges, Lamb maintained a prolific literary career, working as a clerk at the East India House by day and writing by night.A contemporary and friend of literary giants such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth, Lamb's work was influential in the Romantic movement. His essays, characterized by their conversational tone and reflective quality, broke away from the formal and didactic style of the time, paving the way for more personal and subjective forms of writing.Lamb was also known for his sharp literary criticism and his championing of Elizabethan drama, which he believed held timeless truths about human nature. His essays on Shakespeare and other playwrights were revolutionary, offering insights that resonated with both scholars and general readers.Not without controversy, Lamb's candid and sometimes irreverent views on society and literature stirred debates among his contemporaries. Yet, it is this very candor that endears him to modern readers, who find in Lamb a kindred spirit navigating the complexities of life with humor and grace. His legacy endures, not just in his own writings, but in the way he influenced the literary landscape of his time and beyond.
Charles Lamb (10 February 1775 – 27 December 1834) was an English essayist, poet, and antiquarian, best known for his Essays of Elia and for the children's book Tales from Shakespeare, co-authored with his sister, Mary Lamb (1764–1847). Friends with such literary luminaries as Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, and William Hazlitt, Lamb was at the centre of a major literary circle in England. He has been referred to by E. V. Lucas, his principal biographer, as "the most lovable figure in English literature". (Wikipedia)
