Samuel Taylor Coleridge – Mystical Scriptures

Samuel Taylor Coleridge(1772–1834)

English poet, critic, and philosopher whose prose shaped Romantic-era theology, criticism, and theories of imagination. His works move between literary analysis and religious-philosophical reflection, seeking a living unity of mind, nature, and spirit. Coleridge's influence extends far beyond poetry into modern criticism and intellectual history.

3 titles in the Cabinet

Aids to Reflection

Full title: Aids to reflection in the formation of a manly character, on the several grounds of prudence, morality, and religion

The Dial's edition: 1829

"There neither is nor can be but one reason, one and the same: even the light that lighteth every man's individual understanding, and thus maketh it a reasonable understanding."

Coleridge's guide to spiritual and intellectual development, blending theology with philosophical reflection.

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Survives at Houghton Library

Read by Thoreau (see Thoreau's Reading) & Alcott (see Alcott's Library)

Biographia Literaria

Full title: Biographia literaria; or, Biographical sketches of my literary life and opinions

The Dial's edition: Precise edition unknown.

Biographical sketches of Coleridge's literary life and opinions—a foundational text of Romantic criticism.

Full textSurvives at Houghton Library

Read by Emerson (see Emerson's Reading), Emerson (see Emerson's Library) & Alcott (see Alcott's Library)

Friend

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The friend: a series of essays to aid in the formation of fixed principles in politics, morals, and religion. With literary amusements interspersed

The Dial's edition: 1831

Essays to aid in the formation of fixed principles in politics, morals, and religion.

Full textSurvives at Houghton Library

Read by Emerson (see Emerson's Library) & Alcott (see Alcott's Library)

Samuel Taylor Coleridge(1772–1834)

Aids to Reflection

Biographia Literaria

Friend

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