Bryan Procter

Bryan Waller Procter

Bryan Procter (21 November 1787 – 5 October 1874) was an English poet who wrote under the pseudonym Barry Cornwall. He was a contemporary of some of the most famous literary figures of the 19th century, including Charles Lamb, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats. Procter's work, though not as widely remembered today, contributed to the rich tapestry of Romantic literature in England.

Early Life

Bryan Procter was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, to a prosperous family. He moved to London to study law and was called to the Bar in 1818. However, his passion for literature and poetry soon overshadowed his legal career. Procter was deeply embedded in the literary circle of his time, forming close friendships with notable figures such as Charles Lamb, who influenced his literary style and encouraged his poetic endeavors.

Literary Career

Procter's literary career began with the publication of Dramatic Scenes and other poems in 1819, under the pseudonym Barry Cornwall. This was followed by a series of works that included Marcian Colonna (1820), A Sicilian Story (1820), Mirandola (1821), and The Flood of Thessaly (1823). His poetry was characterized by its emotional intensity, vivid imagery, and romantic themes, drawing inspiration from the works of Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Procter's contributions to literature were not limited to poetry. He also wrote essays, criticism, and biographies, including a notable work on the life of his friend, Charles Lamb. His literary output decreased in his later years, but he remained an influential figure in the literary world, mentoring younger poets and contributing to literary discussions.

Personal Life

Bryan Procter married Anne Skepper in 1824, and they had a daughter, Adelaide Anne Procter, who became a noted poet in her own right. Procter's home was a gathering place for literary figures, and he was known for his generous support of other writers.

Legacy

Though Bryan Procter's work is not as widely read today, his influence on the Romantic movement and his contributions to 19th-century literature have been acknowledged by scholars. His poetry, with its emphasis on emotion and nature, exemplifies the Romantic spirit, and his friendships with key literary figures of his time provide valuable insights into the literary culture of the era.

Selected Works

• Dramatic Scenes and Other Poems (1819)
• Marcian Colonna (1820)
• A Sicilian Story (1820)
• Mirandola (1821)
• The Flood of Thessaly (1823)

See Also

• Romantic literature
• Charles Lamb
• Percy Bysshe Shelley
• John Keats