Charles and Mary Lamb

Easton Press Charles and Mary Lamb books

Tales From Shakespeare - Library of Famous Editions - 1996

Charles Lamb biography

Charles Lamb, born on February 10, 1775, in London, England, was a prominent English essayist, poet, and critic of the Romantic period. He is best known for his engaging and witty essays, which reflect his keen observations of human nature, his love of literature, and his deep sense of empathy and compassion. Lamb was born into humble beginnings, the son of John Lamb, a clerk, and Elizabeth Field, a domestic servant. Tragedy struck early in Lamb's life when his mother died in 1782 and his father became mentally unstable, leading Lamb and his sister, Mary, to be raised by their paternal grandmother and later by an aunt.

Despite these early challenges, Lamb excelled academically and developed a passion for literature and learning. In 1792, he began working as a clerk at the East India Company, where he would remain for the rest of his life. It was during this time that Lamb's literary career began to take shape, as he became involved with a group of writers and intellectuals known as the "Lake Poets," including William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Lamb's first major literary success came with the publication of Tales from Shakespeare (1807), a collection of retellings of Shakespeare's plays written in collaboration with his sister, Mary. The book was well-received for its accessible and engaging prose, introducing Shakespeare's works to a new generation of readers.

However, it was Lamb's essays, written under the pseudonym "Elia," that would earn him lasting fame and acclaim. Published primarily in the London Magazine between 1820 and 1825, Lamb's essays cover a wide range of topics, from literature and philosophy to everyday life and human relationships. Known for their wit, humor, and profound insights, Lamb's essays offer a captivating glimpse into the mind of one of the era's most original and perceptive writers. Lamb's writing is characterized by his deep sense of empathy and compassion for his fellow human beings. He had a keen understanding of the complexities of human nature and was unafraid to explore the darker aspects of the human psyche, including madness, grief, and loneliness. His essays often display a tender and sympathetic treatment of his characters, reflecting his belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.

In addition to his essays, Lamb also wrote poetry, plays, and literary criticism, though he never achieved the same level of success in these genres as he did with his essays. Nevertheless, his influence on English literature remains significant, and he is remembered as one of the foremost essayists of the Romantic period. Charles Lamb's life and work are a testament to the power of literature to illuminate the human condition and to forge connections across time and space. His essays continue to delight and inspire readers with their wit, wisdom, and enduring relevance, ensuring his place among the pantheon of English literary greats.