The Lives of the Most Famous English Poets (1687)

"The Lives of the Most Famous English Poets" by William Winstanley is a journey through the lives and works of celebrated English poets, spanning from the era of William the Conqueror to King James II. It seeks to highlight the development of English poetry and its central figures. Winstanley sets out to capture about two hundred poets, shining a light on their backgrounds, significant contributions, and the lasting impact of their works. The book starts by positioning poets as vital guardians of culture and fame, aiming to immortalize them through its pages, while also grappling with his dependence on previous research and the struggle to get definitive information.