Poems. In two volumes. Volume 1

Cowper's conviction that he was bound for damnation intensified the depression brought on by the death of his mother when he was six. Indeed, the poet had frequent bouts of madness, and even attempted suicide. Nonetheless, he went on to produce numerous religious poems, the most famous of which are The Task, and The Progress of Error; the humorous poem John Gilpin; and Olney Hymns, a hymnal which Cowper co-authored with a minister. Readers of his poetry also enjoy Cowper's thoughtful and witty personal letters.