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William Wordsworth (1770-1850) was an English poet who, alongside Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to inaugurate the Romantic Age in English literature with their joint publication, 'Lyrical Ballads and Other Poems' in 1798. Recognized for his innovative focus on the ordinary language of country people, Wordsworth sought to convey the peace and beauty found in nature, constructing his poetry as an antidote to the dramatic societal changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. His magnum opus is widely considered to be 'The Prelude,' an autobiographical poem of his early years which he revised and expanded throughout his life. Wordsworth's literary style emphasizes emotion, a close connection to nature, and the personal experience. A hallmark of his compositions is the reflection on the sublime and the eloquent representation of the spiritual interplay between nature and the human soul. His works are quintessential of the Romantic era, emphasizing feeling and intuition over rationalism. A prodigious writer, he penned many poems that remain cornerstones of English literature, including 'Tintern Abbey,' 'Ode: Intimations of Immortality,' and 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.' Wordsworth's deeply-felt verses often contemplated the relationship between the human mind and nature, and they continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. His influence extends beyond poetry; his notions about nature foreshadowed later environmentalist philosophies. Wordsworth was honored as England's Poet Laureate in 1843, a position he held until his death in 1850.
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