An elegy written among the ruins of an abbey: Poetry Guide and Free Edition
An elegy written among the ruins of an abbey: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
An elegy written among the ruins of an abbey is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Jerningham, Mr. (Edward) (?–1812).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"An Elegy Written Among the Ruins of an Abbey" by Mr. Jerningham is a poetic work composed in the mid-18th century. This elegy reflects on the themes of decay, nostalgia, and the passage of time within the remnants of a once-grand abbey. It explores the contrast between past grandeur and present ruin, evoking both a sense of loss and a meditation on the fleeting nature of human achievements. The poem paints a vivid picture of the former glory of the abbey, surrounded by a solemn grove, and inhabited by various figures ranging from pensive monks to simple rural folk. As the speaker reflects on the abandonment of religious rites and the fading of traditions, they lament the transformation brought about by the passage of time—suggesting that once-vibrant communities are now reduced to solitude and decay. Visions of lost wealth, forsaken altars, and departed worshipers are interspersed with imagery of nature reclaiming the site, ultimately creating a poignant commentary on the inevitable decline of human creations and the enduring legacy of memory.
Book and edition facts
- Title: An elegy written among the ruins of an abbey
- Author credits: Jerningham, Mr. (Edward) (?–1812)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Elegiac poetry, English
- English poetry -- 18th century
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Poetry
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Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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