The joy that vain amusements give

The joy that vain amusements give

Author: William Cowper
Published in 7 hymnals

Author: William Cowper

William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper"; b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1731; d. East Dereham, Norfolk, England, 1800) is regarded as one of the best early Romantic poets. To biographers he is also known as "mad Cowper." His literary talents produced some of the finest English hymn texts, but his chronic depression accounts for the somber tone of many of those texts. Educated to become an attorney, Cowper was called to the bar in 1754 but never practiced law. In 1763 he had the opportunity to become a clerk for the House of Lords, but the dread of the required public examination triggered his tendency to depression, and he attempted suicide. His subsequent hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional st… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: The joy that vain amusements give
Author: William Cowper
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 7 of 7)
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Evangelical Hymns #155

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Hymns for Christian Melody #80

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Hymns #805

Village Hymns #545

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Village hymns for social worship, selected and original #545

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Village hymns for social worship, selected and original #545

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Village Hymns for Social Worship, Selected and Original #545

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