"The Task," by William Cowper, stands as a monumental work of 18th-century English poetry. First published in 1785, this blank-verse masterpiece explores a wide range of subjects, from the beauty of the English countryside to reflections on society, morality, and the human condition. Cowper's keen observations and profound spiritual insights are woven throughout the poem's six books, offering readers a contemplative journey through both the external world and the inner life.
Illustrated by George James Corbould, Francis Engleheart, W. Finden, John Henry Robinson, and Richard Westall, this 1817 edition enhances Cowper's eloquent verses with visually stunning artistry. "The Task" remains a significant work for its literary merit, its influence on the Romantic poets, and its enduring relevance to contemporary readers seeking solace and wisdom in poetry.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
