Rosemary Ashton explores the many facets of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's complex personality, by turns poet, critic, thinker, enchanting companion, feckless husband, fabled conversationalist and guilt-ridden opium addict.

Rosemary Ashton is Professor of English at University College, London. Her books include The German Idea (1980), George Eliot (1983), Little Germany (1986) and G.H. Lewes: A life (1991).