This was a fascinating book to read that completely changed my view of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. But is was also a difficult book to read.

Although Coleridge writes in modern English his elaborate writing style is still quite difficult, and in line with publications of that time many more words are capitalized. Another reason why this is not an easy book is that the letters are selected from a very long period of time from the first letter (in this selection) dated 5 feb 1793 till the last dated 13 july 1834. Although the introduction provides some biographical information, the background to some problems discussed in the letters is not always immediately clear, although much of it is fascinating stuff.

Many letters are very long. While most correspondents of Coleridge are unknown to me, there are also some great names such as letters exchanged with Robert Southey, Charles Lamb, Dorothy and William Wordsworth, Thomas Wedgwood, William Godwin, and Thomas De Quincey.

Some of the letters include some of Coleridge poetry. Coleridge also appears as a very erudite man, who took and interest in and translated German metaphysical thinkers

These letters contain very few biographical information. They are mainly about ideas and ideals. Altogether, as I said, fascinating reading. It took me many months, reading in small instalments. ( )