Who was Edward Taylor and what are the primary classifications of his poetry?

Edward Taylor (circa 1642 – June 29, 1729) was a colonial American poet, pastor, and physician of English origin. Although his work remained unpublished for approximately 200 years after his death, it has since established him as one of the most significant writers of his era. His poetry is often characterized as "American Baroque" and also falls under the umbrella of "Metaphysical" poetry.

Where and when is Edward Taylor believed to have been born?

Edward Taylor is thought to have been born around 1642 in England, specifically in Sketchley, Leicestershire. This places his birth during a period of significant political and religious upheaval in England.

What was Edward Taylor's familial background and religious upbringing?

Edward Taylor was the son of a yeoman farmer who was a nonconformist. Growing up during the Commonwealth of England, he became a convinced Protestant Dissenter, influenced by his father's beliefs. His childhood on the family farm provided a stable, middle-class upbringing, and his writings often reflect imagery and dialect from this period.

What event led to Edward Taylor losing his teaching position in England?

Following the restoration of the monarchy in England, the Act of Uniformity was enacted in 1662, requiring worship according to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Edward Taylor, as a Protestant Dissenter, refused to sign this act, which resulted in him losing his position as a schoolmaster.

When did Edward Taylor emigrate to America, and what was his initial destination?

Edward Taylor emigrated from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in America in 1668. His departure was partly motivated by the loss of religious freedoms he experienced in England, a sentiment that continued to influence his poetry after his arrival in the New World.

What information is available about Edward Taylor's journey to America and his time at Harvard?

Edward Taylor's Atlantic crossing and his initial years in America, from April 26, 1668, to July 5, 1671, are documented in his published diary. Shortly after arriving in Boston, he was admitted to Harvard College as a second-year student to prepare for ordination, where he studied various subjects and languages.

What was Edward Taylor's chosen path after graduating from Harvard, and where did he serve?

After graduating from Harvard College in 1671, Edward Taylor's initial preference was to remain at the university as a resident scholar. However, he soon accepted a call to serve as both pastor and physician in Westfield, Massachusetts, a community located on the remote western frontier. He remained in this dual role for 58 years until his death.

What medical philosophy did Edward Taylor follow as a physician?

As a physician, Edward Taylor adhered to the principles of Paracelsus, an influential Swiss physician and alchemist. Evidence for this influence comes from the books known to be in his personal library.

What types of remedies did Edward Taylor record in his 'dispensatory'?

Edward Taylor maintained a handwritten record of medical remedies in his 'dispensatory'. These remedies included botanical treatments, similar to those documented by Nicholas Culpepper, as well as agents derived from animal tissues, notably including 'mummia,' which refers to the dead body or flesh.

How has the practice of 'medical cannibalism' been interpreted in relation to Edward Taylor's work?

The practice of using substances like mummia, sometimes referred to as 'medical cannibalism,' found in Edward Taylor's medical writings, has been compared to Puritan attitudes towards the Eucharist. This comparison suggests a complex relationship between spiritual symbolism and physical remedies within the Puritan worldview.

What information is provided about Edward Taylor's marriages and family?

Edward Taylor was married twice. His first wife, Elizabeth Fitch, bore him eight children, though five of them died during childhood. After Elizabeth's death, he married Ruth Wyllys, with whom he had six more children. Taylor died in Westfield on June 29, 1729.

What were Edward Taylor's instructions regarding the publication of his writings, and how were they discovered?

Edward Taylor left explicit instructions that his heirs should never publish any of his writings. His poems, which he kept in leather bindings he manufactured himself, remained largely forgotten for over 200 years. In 1937, Thomas H. Johnson discovered a substantial manuscript of Taylor's poetry, approximately 7,000 pages long, in the library of Yale University.

What was the impact of the discovery and publication of Edward Taylor's poetry?

The discovery of Edward Taylor's poetry manuscript in 1937 and the subsequent publication of selections by Thomas H. Johnson had a profound impact. His biographer, Norman S. Grabo, noted that Taylor was immediately recognized not only as America's finest colonial poet but also as one of the most striking writers in the entire scope of American literature.

What are considered Edward Taylor's most important poetic works?

Edward Taylor's most significant poems include the initial sections of his work titled *Preparatory Meditations*, which he wrote between 1682 and 1725. Another major work is *God's Determinations Touching His Elect and the Elects Combat in Their Conversion and Coming up to God in Christ: Together with the Comfortable Effects Thereof*, believed to have been written around 1680. Selections from these were published shortly after their discovery.

When were Edward Taylor's complete poems published?

While selections of Edward Taylor's poetry were published earlier, his complete poems were not made available until 1960. This comprehensive publication was undertaken by Donald E. Stanford.

How did Edward Taylor's religious upbringing and beliefs shape his poetry?

Edward Taylor's poetry was a direct expression of his deeply held religious convictions, which were formed during a strict upbringing and further shaped by his adult life as a New England Congregationalist Puritan. The Puritans of the 1630s and 1640s developed particularly demanding rules for piety and church membership compared to their English counterparts.

What was the significance of the Halfway Covenant in relation to Edward Taylor's beliefs and work?

Alarmed by a perceived decline in piety within his congregation, Edward Taylor concluded that simply professing belief and living a morally upright life was insufficient for full participation in the church assembly. He became a strong advocate for the Halfway Covenant of 1662, a policy that required individuals seeking full communion to testify to a personal experience of God's saving grace and conversion. This requirement aimed to ensure assurance of salvation for church members.

What are the key characteristics of Edward Taylor's poetry in terms of content and imagery?

Edward Taylor's poems are distinguished by their robust spiritual content, conveyed through vivid and often homely imagery drawn from the everyday surroundings of Puritan life. His work aims to glorify the Christian experience and was often written in conjunction with his sermons. His 'Meditations,' for example, explore scriptural themes and passages, revealing both his deep understanding of doctrine and his personal struggles with the complexities of strict Puritanism.

How did Edward Taylor's poetry transform his frontier circumstances?

According to biographer Norman S. Grabo, Edward Taylor transcended the limitations of his frontier existence not by escaping them, but by transforming them into universal themes. His poetry elevated the intellectual, aesthetic, and spiritual aspects of his life and surroundings, giving them broader significance.

What literary classifications have been applied to Edward Taylor's poetry?

Initially, upon the first publication of selections from his work, Edward Taylor was described simply as 'A Puritan sacred poet.' However, he was soon more widely recognized as 'an American metaphysical,' and his poetry has also been typified as 'Colonial Baroque.' These classifications highlight the complex and rich nature of his literary style.

What specific Baroque elements are present in Edward Taylor's poetry?

Edward Taylor's work exhibits several characteristics typical of the Baroque literary style. These include the use of acrostic verse, intricate wordplay, and the employment of 'conceits' – elaborate and often surprising metaphors. His spoken meditations also bear resemblance to the style of George Herbert, another prominent poet of the era.

How has Edward Taylor's poetry been compared to European Baroque poets?

A later study compared Edward Taylor's poetic approach to that of European Baroque poets such as Giambattista Marino of Italy and Francisco de Quevedo of Spain. These poets were known for their elaborate styles and were influential on Spanish-language poets in the New World, suggesting a connection in stylistic innovation across different cultural contexts.

Which composer created musical settings for Edward Taylor's *Meditations*?

The composer Gerald Finzi created two musical settings based on Edward Taylor's *Meditations*. The first, op. 27.1, is a setting of the final stanza of Meditation 12, titled 'Glorious in his apparel,' composed in September 1946 as a marriage anthem. The second, op. 27.2, sets two internal stanzas from Meditation 20, 'God is gone up with a triumphant shout,' and was commissioned for the 1951 St. Cecilia Festival Service.

What musical settings exist for Edward Taylor's poem 'Huswifery'?

Two musical settings have been made of Edward Taylor's poem 'Huswifery.' One was composed by Richard K. Winslow for chorus and piano, winning the American Music Competition of the Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity in 1950. Another setting for a cappella chorus was created by Gordon Binkerd in 1970.

Besides 'Huswifery,' what other poems by Edward Taylor have been set to music by Gordon Binkerd?

In addition to setting 'Huswifery' in 1970, Gordon Binkerd also composed a musical setting for Edward Taylor's poem 'The Ebb and Flow.' This piece for a cappella chorus was completed in 1966.

Who composed a musical setting for Edward Taylor's meditation 'What Love Is This'?

The meditation 'What Love Is This' by Edward Taylor was set as an anthem for four-part chorus and organ by Timothy Hoekman in 1978. This musical adaptation brings another of Taylor's spiritual reflections into a different artistic medium.

What is the significance of the 'shortdescription' field in the source text?

The 'shortdescription' field, which reads 'American poet (c.1642 – 1729)', serves as a concise summary of Edward Taylor's identity and lifespan. It provides a quick identifier for the subject of the article, highlighting his nationality and primary role as a poet.

What does the hatnote regarding 'Edward Taylor (disambiguation)' indicate?

The hatnote stating 'For other people named Edward Taylor, see Edward Taylor (disambiguation)' indicates that there are multiple individuals with the same name. It serves to direct readers to a separate page that lists and distinguishes these different people, preventing confusion with the subject of this article.

What does the infobox reveal about Edward Taylor's birth details?

The infobox provides key birth details for Edward Taylor, stating he was born circa 1642 in England. This information establishes his origins and the approximate time frame of his birth.

What information does the infobox provide about Edward Taylor's death?

The infobox states that Edward Taylor died on June 29, 1729, at the age of 86 or 87. His place of death is listed as Westfield, Massachusetts, where he served as pastor and physician for many years.

What were Edward Taylor's primary occupations according to the infobox?

According to the infobox, Edward Taylor's primary occupation was listed as Poet. This highlights his most recognized contribution, although the text also details his roles as a pastor and physician.

What literary genre is associated with Edward Taylor's work?

The infobox categorizes Edward Taylor's work under the genre of Poetry. This classification is further elaborated in the main text, which describes his style as 'American Baroque' and 'Metaphysical'.

What does the reference note 'a' associated with his birth location signify?

The reference note 'a' linked to the mention of Sketchley, Leicestershire, indicates that this specific detail is further explained or clarified in the notes section. Note [a] clarifies that Sketchley is a hamlet within the Aston Flamville parish, providing geographical context.

What does the presence of 'citation needed' tags imply about certain claims in the text?

The 'citation needed' tags, such as the one following the description of his middle-class upbringing and farmhouse influences, indicate that these specific claims require supporting references from reliable sources. These tags are used in Wikipedia to maintain factual accuracy and verifiability.

What is the significance of the 'noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact' tag?

The 'noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact' tag, often followed by 'citation needed', signifies that a particular piece of information within the text is presented as a fact but lacks a direct source citation within the article. It prompts editors to find and add appropriate references to verify the claim.

What does the reference note '[2]' point to regarding Taylor's emigration?

The reference note '[2]' is associated with the statement that Taylor emigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1668, partly due to the loss of religious freedoms. This citation likely directs readers to a source that corroborates the date, destination, and reasons for his emigration.

What does the reference note '[3]' relate to concerning Edward Taylor's early years in America?

The reference note '[3]' is linked to the mention of Edward Taylor's Atlantic crossing and his subsequent years in America from April 26, 1668, to July 5, 1671, which are chronicled in his published *Diary*. This citation likely refers to the source or publication of his diary.

What does the reference note '[4]' pertain to regarding Taylor's medical practices?

The reference note '[4]' is associated with the description of Edward Taylor's medical practices, particularly his adherence to Paracelsus, his 'dispensatory,' and the use of remedies like mummia. This citation likely points to scholarly work discussing his medical activities and influences.

What does the reference note '[5]' relate to concerning Taylor's death and family?

The reference note '[5]' is connected to the information about Edward Taylor's death in Westfield on June 29, 1729, and details about his two marriages and children. This citation likely refers to biographical sources that confirm these life events.

What does the reference note '[6]' signify regarding the survival and discovery of Taylor's poems?

The reference note '[6]' is linked to the statement that Taylor's poems survived him in his own bindings but were subject to his instructions against publication, remaining forgotten for over 200 years. This citation likely points to sources discussing the preservation and eventual rediscovery of his poetic works.

What does the reference note '[7]' pertain to concerning the recognition of Taylor's poetry?

The reference note '[7]' is associated with the quote from Taylor's biographer, Norman S. Grabo, about the immediate recognition Taylor received as a major American writer following the publication of his poems. This citation likely refers to Grabo's biography or the publication where Johnson first presented Taylor's work.

What does the reference note '[8]' relate to regarding Puritan practices in New England?

The reference note '[8]' is linked to the description of New England Congregationalist Puritans developing stricter rules than their English co-religionists in the 1630s and 1640s. This citation likely refers to historical accounts or scholarly works detailing the specific practices and theological developments within American Puritanism.

What does the reference note '[9]' signify regarding church membership requirements?

The reference note '[9]' is associated with the explanation that 'halfway members' were required to testify to a personal experience of God's saving grace for full participation in the church assembly. This citation likely points to sources discussing Puritan church governance and membership criteria.

What does the reference note '[10]' pertain to regarding Taylor's advocacy for the Halfway Covenant?

The reference note '[10]' is linked to the statement that Edward Taylor embraced and became a vocal advocate of the Halfway Covenant. This citation likely refers to historical documents or analyses that document Taylor's role in promoting this church policy.

What does the reference note '[11]' relate to concerning Taylor's poems and sermons?

The reference note '[11]' is associated with the description of Taylor's poems being written in conjunction with his sermons and exploring scriptural themes. This citation likely points to critical analyses or editions of Taylor's work that discuss the relationship between his poetry and his pastoral duties.

What does the reference note '[12]' signify regarding Taylor's transcendence of his circumstances?

The reference note '[12]' is linked to the quote from biographer Grabo stating that Taylor transcended his frontier circumstances by transforming them into intellectual, aesthetic, and spiritual universals. This citation likely refers to Grabo's biographical work on Taylor.

What does the reference note '[13]' pertain to regarding the initial description of Taylor's poetry?

The reference note '[13]' is associated with the statement that Taylor was initially called 'A Puritan sacred poet' upon the first publication of his work. This citation likely refers to the publication or critical review where this description first appeared.

What does the reference note '[14]' relate to concerning the classification of Taylor as 'an American metaphysical'?

The reference note '[14]' is linked to the description of Taylor's poetry as 'an American metaphysical.' This citation likely points to a critical essay or publication where this classification was made or popularized.

What does the reference note '[15]' signify regarding the 'Colonial Baroque' classification?

The reference note '[15]' is associated with the typification of Taylor's poetry as 'Colonial Baroque.' This citation likely refers to a scholarly work or review that established or discussed this particular literary classification for his work.

What does the reference note '[16]' pertain to regarding Baroque elements and influences in Taylor's work?

The reference note '[16]' is linked to the mention of Baroque elements like acrostic verse, wordplay, conceits, and meditations reminiscent of George Herbert in Taylor's poetry. This citation likely refers to a critical analysis that details these stylistic features and influences.

What does the reference note '[17]' relate to concerning comparisons with European Baroque poets?

The reference note '[17]' is associated with the comparison of Edward Taylor's approach to that of European Baroque poets like Giambattista Marino and Francisco de Quevedo. This citation likely points to a comparative literary study discussing these connections.

Edward Taylor Wiki: The Puritan Quill: Edward Taylor's Poetic Legacy

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Biographical Sketch

Edward Taylor
Born	circa 1642 England
Died	June 29, 1729 (aged 86–87) Westfield, Massachusetts
Occupation	Poet, Pastor, Physician
Language	English
Genre	Poetry

Life and Ministry

Early Life and Dissent

Born around 1642 in Sketchley, Leicestershire, England, Edward Taylor was the son of a nonconformist yeoman farmer. His upbringing during the Commonwealth period instilled in him a deep commitment to Protestant Dissenter principles. While formal education details are scarce, his early life provided a stable, middle-class foundation, influencing his later use of rural imagery and occasional Leicestershire dialect in his poetry.

Emigration and Harvard Education

Following the Restoration of the monarchy, Taylor's refusal to conform to the 1662 Act of Uniformity led to the loss of his teaching position. This experience of religious persecution fueled his desire for freedom, a theme that would permeate his later work. In 1668, he emigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, chronicling his arduous Atlantic crossing in his diary. Shortly after arriving, he entered Harvard College as a second-year student, pursuing studies across various disciplines and languages in preparation for ordination.

Pastor and Physician in Westfield

Upon graduating from Harvard in 1671, Taylor accepted a dual role as pastor and physician in Westfield, Massachusetts. He served this frontier community for 58 years until his death. As a physician, he followed the teachings of Paracelsus, incorporating botanical remedies and even animal tissue-derived agents into his practice. This approach, including the use of 'mummia' (human tissue), has been noted for its comparison to Puritan theological concepts regarding symbolic consumption.

Family and Legacy

Taylor was married twice and fathered thirteen children, though many died in childhood. His enduring legacy, however, lies not in his personal life but in his literary contributions, which remained largely undiscovered for two centuries after his death on June 29, 1729.

The Poetic Masterpiece

Undiscovered Genius

Taylor meticulously crafted his poems, often binding them himself. He explicitly instructed his heirs not to publish his work, leading to their obscurity for over 200 years. The rediscovery of a substantial manuscript at Yale University in 1937 by Thomas H. Johnson marked a pivotal moment in American literary history. A selection published in The New England Quarterly immediately established Taylor as a preeminent voice in colonial American literature.

Theological Depth and Puritanism

Taylor's poetry is deeply rooted in his fervent religious beliefs and the strict tenets of New England Congregationalist Puritanism. Alarmed by a perceived decline in piety, he became a staunch advocate of the Halfway Covenant (1662). This doctrine required individuals seeking full church communion to provide a personal testimony of conversion, affirming their salvation. Taylor's poems, particularly his Preparatory Meditations (1682–1725) and God's Determinations Touching His Elect... (c. 1680), explore complex theological themes, scriptural passages, and the inherent struggles within strict Puritan doctrine, often reflecting his personal spiritual journey.

Vivid Imagery and Universal Themes

His verse is characterized by robust spiritual content conveyed through vivid, often homely imagery drawn from his Puritan surroundings. Taylor masterfully transformed his frontier existence into expressions of profound intellectual, aesthetic, and spiritual universality, showcasing his deep love for God and his commitment to service amidst the isolation of rural life.

Literary Classification

American Baroque and Metaphysical

Initially labeled a "Puritan sacred poet," Taylor's work soon garnered more sophisticated classifications. He is widely recognized as an "American metaphysical" poet, sharing stylistic affinities with English Metaphysical poets. His poetry is also frequently characterized as 'Colonial Baroque,' a term reflecting its ornate style and complex structure.

Taylor's work exhibits several hallmarks of the Baroque style, including:

Acrostic Verse: Poems where the first letter of each line spells out a word or message.
Wordplay: Clever and intricate use of language, puns, and double meanings.
Conceits: Extended, elaborate metaphors that draw surprising parallels between disparate subjects, often used to explore theological concepts.
Meditative Structure: His "Meditations" often follow a pattern of spiritual contemplation, reminiscent of poets like George Herbert.

Scholars have also drawn comparisons between Taylor's approach and that of European Baroque poets such as Giambattista Marino and Francisco de Quevedo, highlighting the cross-cultural influences on New World literature.

Musical Adaptations

Enduring Influence

The profound spiritual and artistic merit of Edward Taylor's poetry has inspired musical compositions, demonstrating its lasting impact beyond literary circles. Several notable composers have set his works to music, translating his verse into auditory experiences.

Gerald Finzi: Composed two settings from Taylor's Meditations, including the marriage anthem "Glorious in his apparel" (op. 27.1) and "God is gone up with a triumphant shout" (op. 27.2).
Richard K. Winslow: His setting of "Huswifery" won the American Music Competition in 1950.
Gordon Binkerd: Set "Huswifery" for a cappella chorus in 1970 and "The Ebb and Flow" in 1966.
Timothy Hoekman: Composed an anthem for four-part chorus and organ based on the meditation "What Love Is This" in 1978.

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References

a hamlet in Aston Flamville parish.[1]

Sketchley, Leicestershire â genealogy heraldry and history Retrieved 2018-03-08.

Karen Gordon-Grube,Evidence of Medicinal Cannibalism in Puritan New England: "Mummy" and Related Remedies in Edward Taylor's "Dispensatory", Early American Literature , 1993, Vol. 28, No. 3 (1993), pp. 185â221.

Edmund Morgan, Visible Saints: The History of a Puritan Idea (Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell University Press, 1962), p. 62.

Thomas and Virginia Davis, editors, Edward Taylor vs. Solomon Stoddard (Newark, Del., University of Delaware Press, 1997), p. 47.

Wallace Cable Brown, American Literature, Duke University 1944, Vol. 16. 3, pp. 186â197

Austin Warren, Kenyon Review, 3.3 (Summer 1941, pp. 355â71

âEdward Taylorâ, Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2004

Alfred Owen Aldridge, Early American Literature: A Comparatist Approach, Princeton University 1982: Chapter 2, âEdward Taylor and the American Baroqueâ

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A full list of references for this article are available at the Edward Taylor Wikipedia page

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Educational Context

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia. It is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness based on the source material, it may not reflect the most current information or nuances.

This content is not a substitute for scholarly research or professional literary analysis. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and academic literature for a deeper understanding of Edward Taylor and his work. The creators of this page assume no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

Edward Taylor

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biographical Sketch 👤

Life and Ministry 📜

🏡 Early Life and Dissent

🚢 Emigration and Harvard Education

🧑‍⚕️ Pastor and Physician in Westfield

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and Legacy

The Poetic Masterpiece 📖

📜 Undiscovered Genius

🙏 Theological Depth and Puritanism

✨ Vivid Imagery and Universal Themes

Literary Classification 🧐

🎭 American Baroque and Metaphysical

Musical Adaptations 🎶

🎵 Enduring Influence

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Educational Context

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biographical Sketch

Life and Ministry

Early Life and Dissent

Emigration and Harvard Education

Pastor and Physician in Westfield

Family and Legacy

The Poetic Masterpiece

Undiscovered Genius

Theological Depth and Puritanism

Vivid Imagery and Universal Themes

Literary Classification

American Baroque and Metaphysical

Musical Adaptations

Enduring Influence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Educational Context