The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals Background

The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals Background

Dorothy Wordsworth is the sister of famous English poet William Wordsworth. The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals is exactly as titled, her two journals kept in the late 1700's through 1800's, documenting the aspects of her daily life including her close relationship with William.

Although Dorothy did not aim to become an author herself, The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals are valued as a closer look into the life of William Wordsworth, and the events that inspired some of his most prominent and eloquent poems. As William wrote of her, "She gave me eyes, she gave me ears." As well, Dorothy Wordsworth had her own unique way with words, describing the world around her with vivid imagery and almost lyrical fluency.

The journals were first published in 1971, and are now available from basically any popular bookstore retailer. They are regarded as a significant piece of English literature, with great power of their own even without the famous relations.

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