The Journals of Dorothy Wordsworth performed by JENNY AGUTTER

“The English countryside at the end of the 18th century is brought almost photographically before us and Jenny Agutter brings her splendidly to life.” Good Book Guide

“...Her prose and obvious love of nature rival her brother’s poetic interpretations... should appeal to poetry and nature lovers alike.” Talking Business

Dorothy Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth in 1771, being one year younger than her brother William. After their mother died in 1778 they were separated and did not return to the Lake District until 1794, when they spent two happy months walking around the hills near Keswick, eventually settling down at Grasmere in 1799.

The journals that Dorothy kept are remarkable for the detailed observations she makes of the surrounding countryside and people, often providing glimpses of poverty and suffering, as well as displaying her complete love affair with nature. ‘She gave me eyes, she gave me ears,’ said her brother William, acknowledging the important contribution his sister made to his poetry, as both he and Coleridge drew heavily on the simple yet beautiful material these journals were to provide.

Dorothy and William lived at Dove Cottage in Grasmere from 1799, moving eventually to Rydal Mount in 1813, where they were to live together until the poet’s death in 1850. Dorothy herself was to live until 1855.

Also available as part of the CLASSIC LETTERS & JOURNALS BOX SET, a seven-volume edition.

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Robin Welch

Voice