Charles Swain
Charles Swain was an English poet and bookseller, born on January 4, 1801, in Manchester, England. He was raised by his uncle after the death of his parents and began his career working as a clerk in his uncle's dyehouse. In 1822, Swain published his first work in a journal, and by 1827, he released his first volume, *Metrical Essays on Subjects of History and Imagination*. His most notable collection, *Mind, and Other Poems*, was published in 1832 and is recognized for its refined style and engaging themes. Swain also ventured into engraving and established his own firm. His well-received volume *Songs and Ballads* was particularly popular, appearing in five editions over ten years. He was awarded a civil list pension in 1856 and received praise from contemporaries, including poet Robert Southey. Swain's contributions to poetry included creating ballads that resonated with readers, some of which became popular songs, highlighting his legacy as a significant figure in 19th-century English literature. He passed away on September 22, 1874.
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Subject Terms
Charles Swain
Poet
- Born: January 4, 1801
- Birthplace: Manchester, England
- Died: September 22, 1874
Biography
Charles Swain was born January 4, 1801, in Manchester, England. His father, John Swain, was English; his mother, Caroline Nünes de Tavarez, was Dutch. After the death of his parents, Charles Swain was cared for by his uncle, Charles Tavaré, a dyer. Swain attended school in Manchester under the direction of William Johns. In 1816, Swain began working as a clerk in his uncle’s dyehouse. In 1921, he began traveling with a theatrical group. He returned to Manchester, becoming a bookseller in 1926. In 1927, he married Ann Glover; they had three daughters. Their third daughter, Clara Swain Dickins, became a poet, publishing four original volumes.
1822 marked Swain’s first was publication in a journal. His first volume, Metrical Essays on Subjects of History and Imagination, was published in 1827. His most ambitious collection is Mind, and Other Poems, published in 1832. This volume is a revised edition of his 1831 collection Beauties of the Mind: A Poetical Sketch, with Lays Historical and Romantic. Dryburgh Abbey: A Poem on the Death of Sir Walter Scott, published in 1832, employs characters from the novels of Sir Walter Scott. In 1832, Swain began working in engraving, eventually becoming proprietor of a firm. His best- selling volume was Songs and Ballads (1867), which appeared in five editions within ten years. He died September 22, 1874. Selections from Charles Swain, Compiled by His Third Daughter appeared posthumously in 1906.
In 1856, Charles Swain was awarded a civil list pension. Reviewed favorably by the poet Robert Southey, his contemporary, Swain is noted for the elegance and grace of his understated verse. Several of his poems became popular songs, and he is most recognized for the quality of his ballads.