Pope, Alexander, 1849-1924

Epithet: of Stowe MS 180

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000491.0x000157

Epithet: of Add MS 40804

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000491.0x000152

Alexander Pope (1688 - 1744), poet, was the son of a Roman Catholic linen-draper from London. As a boy, Pope suffered from ill health, which affected his growth and normal physical development. He was largely self-educated and showed his precocious poetical aptitude at a young age, writing his Pastorals, when in his mid teens.

He was introduced to London life by Wycherley, and soon became involved in literary circles including Addison's group and later the Scriblerus Club, which included Swift, Gay and Arbuthot. Early works, which sealed his reputation, include Essay on Criticism (1711), Messiah (1712) and The Rape of the Lock in the same year, to which he later added more material and republished, in 1714.

His translations of Homer's Iliad (1715-20) and the Odyssey (1725-6) further added to his reputation and brought financial independence. In 1718, he moved to Twickenham with his mother, where he spent the rest of his life, devoting much time to his garden and grotto. He also spent a considerable amount of time during his later years working on the publication of his correspondence.

For further details of Pope's life and work, see details provided by the Oxford Companion to English Literature (1995).

From the guide to the Alexander Pope Letters, 1720 June- 1743 June, (Bangor University)