'The Banker Poet': The Rise and Fall of Samuel Rogers, 1763-1855

Samuel Rogers was arguably the most widely read poet of the early 19th century and a prominent figure in the literary and cultural life of London, owning one of the largest private art collections of his day. Known throughout his life as “the Banker Poet,” he came from a radical, Dissenting background and was politically active at a time when to be so involved personal danger. Martin Blocksidge considers the nature of Rogers’ poetry and the reputation it acquired and examines its cultural context. Rogers was famous, but controversial, provoking some distaste and consequent satirical treatment, most notably from his erstwhile friend, Byron. Biographical and interdisciplinary, this narrative is relevant not only to literary historians but to those interested in the history of Dissenting and radical groups, picturesque travel, art history, and the cultural history of London.