Artists & Writers · 18th Century
Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Last Words
“I could wish to die not from life but into more life.”— Samuel Taylor Coleridge, July 25, 1834
Who Was Samuel Taylor Coleridge?
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher who co-founded the Romantic Movement with Wordsworth. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is his masterwork.
The Final Moments
Coleridge died at his home in Highgate, London. He had battled opium addiction throughout his adult life.
Are These Words Verified?
Reported by those present including his host James Gillman. The sentiment appears in multiple contemporary biographical sources though exact phrasing varies slightly.
Sources
- firsthand James Gillman account
- biography Henry Nelson Coleridge memoir
Legacy
Kubla Khan and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner are masterpieces. His literary criticism established principles still used today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s last words?
“I could wish to die not from life but into more life.”
How did Samuel Taylor Coleridge die?
Samuel Taylor Coleridge died on July 25, 1834 at the age of 61. Cause of death: Heart failure.
Were Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s last words documented?
Reported by those present including his host James Gillman. The sentiment appears in multiple contemporary biographical sources though exact phrasing varies slightly.
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