Abraham Cowley

Blame Samuel Johnson. In his 1779 essay on Cowley, Johnson highlighted him as the prime example of what he termed the Metaphysical poets — writers who, according to Johnson, prioritized intellectual display over genuine emotion. The label stuck, and Cowley bore the brunt of the criticism, even though he wasn't any more guilty of elaborate conceits than Donne. Subsequent generations continued to read Donne while letting Cowley fade into the background.

He chose to align with the Royalists and eventually went into exile in France along with the court. There, he served as a cipher secretary for Queen Henrietta Maria, managing encrypted diplomatic correspondence. His years of diligent, behind-the-scenes work kept him away from England and the literary life he longed for.

The Metaphysical poets are a diverse group of 17th-century English writers—Donne, Herbert, Marvell, Vaughan, and others—recognized for their use of elaborate comparisons known as conceits, and for blending deep emotions with philosophical discussions. Cowley is often counted among them, although his work reflects influences from classical models and the Pindaric ode tradition, which adds a distinct flavor compared to Donne's style.

Pindar was an ancient Greek poet renowned for his intricate and unconventional odes celebrating athletic champions. Cowley brought a more relaxed English version of this style to life — with varied line lengths and stanza shapes, yet ambitious and elevated in tone. His Pindaric odes had a significant impact in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, inspiring poets such as Dryden and later Gray.

Yes, his essays are definitely worth checking out. Written during the final years of his life, they explore themes like solitude, gardening, and the joys of a peaceful life. They feel less like formal literary pieces and more like sincere personal reflections — the thoughts of someone who had been deeply involved in political intrigue and truly wanted to escape.

Extremely popular. His collected works had fourteen printings between 1668 and 1721, which is quite notable for that time. He was regarded as one of the top English poets of the century, and his impact on the ode form significantly influenced the generation of writers that followed him.

'Drinking' is a clever and playful tribute that presents a philosophical argument for wine. Cowley references classical tradition — the notion that the earth itself drinks (through rain, rivers, the sea) — to suggest that drinking is not just a luxury but an engagement with the natural world. Its tone is light yet thoughtfully crafted, showcasing how Cowley could express his knowledge in a relaxed manner when he chose to.