Homes and Haunts of the Most Eminent British Poets, Vol. 1 (of 2)

"Homes and Haunts of the Most Eminent British Poets, Vol. 1 (of 2)" by William Howitt is a journey into the world of British poets, focusing on the actual places where they lived and worked, while steering clear of playwrights. Written in the 1800s, the book tries to bring these poets to life by connecting their stories to the real buildings and areas that shaped their art. Beginning with Geoffrey Chaucer, Howitt looks at how time slowly hides the places where poets lived, as their houses fall into disrepair or disappear completely. He looks closely at Chaucer's life story, from his simple beginnings in London to his important roles at court, revealing the secrets that hide around his death. By focusing on these spots, the book shows how closely the poets' lives and surroundings were tied to the poems they created, inviting readers to see British poetry history in a brand-new way.