Edward Taylor

Author Code: AETX

Taylor emigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1668. He then studied at, and graduated from, Harvard University. He entered the ministry in the town of Westfield. A deeply religious man, Taylor wrote over 200 poems of a narrative nature on subjects such as Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper and the Psalms. Most of the poems were not published during his lifetime, but languished in the Yale University library until discovered in the 1930's. Taylor is the only American poet who wrote in the metaphysical style and most of his works were written for his own meditation and his congregation at Westfield. His work also included his Diary, which chronicles his voyage to America (1668-71). Today, Taylor is considered to be one of the foremost poets of Colonial America.