William Somervile Quotes
- Poet
- England
- 1742
William Somervile was an English poet and landowner who lived from 1675 to 1742. He is best known for his poem “The Chace,” which describes a hunting scene in the English countryside. Somervile was also a member of the influential Kit-Cat Club, a group of writers and politicians in 18th…Read More
William Somervile was an English poet and landowner who lived from 1675 to 1742. He is best known for his poem “The Chace,” which describes a hunting scene in the English countryside. Somervile was also a member of the influential Kit-Cat Club, a group of writers and politicians in 18th century England. He inherited his family’s estate in Warwickshire and was known for his love of hunting and country life. In addition to “The Chace,” Somervile wrote several other poems and plays, but his literary career was cut short by his death at the age of 67.Read Less
William Somervile was an English poet and landowner who lived from 1675 to 1742. He is best known for his poem “The Chace,” which describes a hunting scene in the English countryside. Somervile was also a member of the influential Kit-Cat Club, a group of writers and politicians in 18th century England. He inherited his family’s estate in Warwickshire and was known for his love of hunting and country life. In addition to “The Chace,” Somervile wrote several other poems and plays, but his literary career was cut short by his death at the age of 67.
William Somervile Career Highlights
- William Somervile was a British poet and landowner, born in 1675.
- He studied at Winchester College and New College, Oxford.
- Somervile’s first published work was “The Two Springs” in 1702.
- He is best known for his poem “The Chace” which was published in 1735.
- Somervile was a member of the Kit-Kat Club, a prestigious literary and social club in London.
- He also served as a Member of Parliament for Warwickshire from 1715 to 1722.
Key Contributions by William Somervile
- Somervile’s most famous work, “The Chace,” is a descriptive poem about hunting and nature.
- It was praised by literary figures such as Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson.
- Somervile’s poetry was known for its vivid imagery and use of the English countryside as a setting.
- He also wrote several other poems, including “Hobbinol” and “Field Sports.”
- Somervile’s work was influential in the development of the pastoral genre in English literature.
What Sets William Somervile Apart
- Somervile’s poetry was unique for its focus on rural life and nature, rather than the urban and courtly themes popular at the time.
- He was also known for his use of colloquial language and dialect in his writing.
- Somervile’s work was praised for its accuracy and authenticity, as he was an avid hunter and familiar with the countryside.
Takeaways
- William Somervile was a significant figure in 18th century English literature, known for his contributions to the pastoral genre.
- His poetry was praised for its vivid imagery, use of colloquial language, and focus on rural life and nature.
- Somervile’s work continues to be studied and appreciated by literary scholars and enthusiasts.