Richard Lewis
Richard Lewis was a Welsh-born poet and educator who emigrated to Maryland in 1718, where he married Elizabeth Battee and raised several children. He received his education at the British Latin Grammar School and later attended Balliol College at Oxford. By around 1733, Lewis was serving as a teacher and became the master of King William School. His literary contributions are notable within the American classical tradition of the early 1700s, as he sought to establish a distinct American voice, often drawing inspiration from classical literature rather than contemporary British works. Lewis's poetry reflects themes of early Maryland's landscape, nation-building, literary aesthetics, and spiritual exploration. Among his notable works is the translation of the Latin poem "Muscipula: The Mouse Trap—Or, The Battle of the Cambrians," which he adapted for comedic effect, likely to appeal to influential figures such as Governor Benedict L. Calvert. His most recognized poem, "A Journey from Patapsco to Annapolis," published in 1730, achieved significant popularity, appearing multiple times in both the United States and England. Despite his contributions, Lewis's work has largely faded from contemporary literary recognition.
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Richard Lewis
Poet
- Born: 1699
- Birthplace: Llanfair, Montgomery County, Wales
- Died: March 1, 1734
Biography
Little is known about the life of Richard Lewis. He was born in Wales but emigrated to Maryland in 1718, the same year that he married Elizabeth Battee, with whom he had several children. He was apparently educated at the British Latin Grammar School, and eventually attended Balliol College at Oxford. He was a teacher, circa 1733, and he was the master of King William School. He may have also held an office in the Assembly.
Lewis, an important poet of the American classical tradition of the early 1700’s, has largely been forgotten. His literary works are characterized by a reliance on classical literature rather than the works of British writers. He attempted to find a more distinct American identity, and he often wrote about the scenery of early Maryland, the building of a new nation, literary aesthetics, and spiritual journeys.
Lewis translated the Latin poem Muscipula: The Mouse Trap—Or, The Battle of the Cambrians into English. He changed some of the rhythms of the verse, believing that his translation produced a more comical production. The translation suggests that Lewis was trying to please Maryland Governor Benedict L. Calvert, who purchased ten copies of the poem. The most popular of Lewis’s poems was “A Journey from Patapsco to Annapolis,” published in 1730. This poem was published at least four times in the United States, and five times in England.