Classic and Contemporary Poets

John Langhorne, an English poet, translator, and clergyman of the 18th century, was born in March 1735 in Kirkby Stephen, Westmorland. He is perhaps best known for his translations of classical works and for his own lyrical poetry, which reflects the literary and cultural tastes of his time.

Langhorne's early life was marked by education and a turn towards the Church. He was ordained as a priest in the Church of England and served in various parishes throughout his life. His clerical career, however, ran parallel to his pursuits in literature, where he made notable contributions.

One of Langhorne's most significant literary achievements was his translation, in collaboration with his brother William Langhorne, of Plutarch's "Lives." This translation, first published in 1770, was widely acclaimed for its elegance and clarity. It played a key role in making Plutarch's important historical and philosophical works accessible to an English-speaking audience. The Langhorne brothers' translation of Plutarch remained a standard work well into the 19th century and is still referenced for its historical significance in the translation of classical texts.

As a poet, Langhorne's work is characterized by its sentimentality, a common trait in the poetry of the mid-18th century. His poems often explored themes of love, nature, and melancholy, reflecting the Romantic sensibility that was emerging during his lifetime. His style, marked by lyrical grace and emotional expressiveness, appealed to the tastes of his contemporaries.

Among his poetic works, "The Fables of Flora" (1771) is particularly notable. In this collection, Langhorne adapted classical fables and presented them in verse, combining natural imagery with moral lessons. This work exemplifies his skill in blending poetic imagination with classical themes.

Langhorne's other literary works include a variety of poems and sermons, as well as editorial contributions to periodicals of his time. His work as an editor and writer for periodicals demonstrates his engagement with the literary and cultural discussions of the day.

Despite his contributions, John Langhorne is not as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries in the field of poetry and translation. However, his work, particularly his translations of Plutarch, played an important role in the literary landscape of 18th-century England and had a lasting impact on the accessibility of classical literature in the English-speaking world.

In conclusion, John Langhorne's legacy in English literature lies in his dual roles as a translator and poet. His translation of Plutarch's "Lives" remains a significant contribution to the dissemination of classical knowledge, while his poetry reflects the evolving literary tastes of the 18th century, bridging the gap between the neoclassical and Romantic periods. His work exemplifies the intellectual and literary endeavors of a clergyman who was deeply engaged in the cultural and literary milieu of his time.

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