Clare London Popular Books

Clare London Biography & Facts

John Clare (13 July 1793 – 20 May 1864) was an English poet. The son of a farm labourer, he became known for his celebrations of the English countryside and sorrows at its disruption. His work underwent major re-evaluation in the late 20th century; he is now often seen as a major 19th-century poet. His biographer Jonathan Bate called Clare "the greatest labouring-class poet that England has ever produced. No one has ever written more powerfully of nature, of a rural childhood, and of the alienated and unstable self." Life Early life Clare was born in Helpston, 6 miles (10 km) to the north of the city of Peterborough. In his lifetime, the village was in the Soke of Peterborough in Northamptonshire and his memorial calls him "The Northamptonshire Peasant Poet". Helpston is now part of the City of Peterborough unitary authority. Clare became an agricultural labourer while still a child, but attended school in Glinton church until he was 12. In his early adult years, Clare became a potboy in The Blue Bell public house and fell in love with Mary Joyce, but her father, a prosperous farmer, forbade them to meet. Later, Clare was a gardener at Burghley House. He enlisted in the militia, tried camp life with Gypsies, and worked in Pickworth, Rutland, as a lime burner in 1817. In the following year, he was obliged to accept parish relief. Malnutrition stemming from childhood may have been the main factor behind his five-foot stature and contributed to his poor physical health in later life. Early poems Clare had bought a copy of James Thomson's The Seasons and began to write poems and sonnets. In an attempt to hold off his parents' eviction from their home, Clare offered his poems to a local bookseller, Edward Drury, who sent them to his cousin, John Taylor of the Taylor & Hessey firm, which had published the work of John Keats. Taylor published Clare's Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery in 1820. The book was highly praised and the next year his Village Minstrel and Other Poems appeared. "There was no limit to the applause bestowed upon Clare, unanimous in their admiration of a poetical genius coming before them in the humble garb of a farm labourer." Middle life On 16 March 1820, Clare married Martha ("Patty") Turner, a milkmaid, in the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Great Casterton. An annuity of 15 guineas from the Marquess of Exeter, in whose service he had been, was supplemented by subscription, so that Clare gained £45 a year, a sum far beyond what he had ever earned. Soon, however, his income became insufficient and in 1823 he was nearly penniless. The Shepherd's Calendar (1827) met with little success, which was not increased by his hawking it himself. As he worked again in the fields, his health temporarily improved; but he soon became seriously ill. Earl Fitzwilliam presented him with a new cottage and a piece of ground, but Clare could not settle down. Clare was constantly torn between the two worlds of literary London and his often illiterate neighbours, between a need to write poetry and a need for money to feed and clothe his children. His health began to suffer and he had bouts of depression, which worsened after his sixth child was born in 1830 and as his poetry sold less well. In 1832, his friends and London patrons clubbed together to move the family to a larger cottage with a smallholding in the village of Northborough, not far from Helpston. However, he only felt more alienated there. Clare's last work, the Rural Muse (1835), was noticed favourably by Christopher North and other reviewers, but its sales were not enough to support his wife and seven children. Clare's mental health began to worsen. His alcohol consumption steadily increased along with dissatisfaction with his own identity and more erratic behaviour. A notable instance was his interruption of a performance of The Merchant of Venice, in which Clare verbally assaulted Shylock. He was becoming a burden to Patty and his family, and in July 1837, on the recommendation of his publishing friend, John Taylor, Clare went of his own volition (accompanied by a friend of Taylor's) to Dr Matthew Allen's private asylum High Beach near Loughton, in Epping Forest. Taylor had assured Clare that he would receive the best medical care. Clare was reported as being "full of many strange delusions". He believed himself to be a prize fighter and that he had two wives, Patty and Mary. He started to claim he was Lord Byron. Allen wrote about Clare to The Times in 1840: It is most singular that ever since he came... the moment he gets pen or pencil in hand he begins to write most poetical effusions. Yet he has never been able to obtain in conversation, nor even in writing prose, the appearance of sanity for two minutes or two lines together, and yet there is no indication of insanity in any of his poetry. Religion Clare was an Anglican. Whatever he may have felt about liturgy and ministry, and however critical an eye he may have cast on parish life, Clare retained and replicated his father's loyalty to the Church of England. He dodged services in his youth and dawdled in the fields during the hours of worship, but he derived much help in later years from members of the clergy. He acknowledged that his father "was brought up in the communion of the Church of England, and I have found no cause to withdraw myself from it." If he found aspects of the established church uncongenial and awkward, he remained prepared to defend it: "Still I reverence the church and do from my soul as much as anyone curse the hand that's lifted to undermine its constitution."Much of Clare's imagery was drawn from the Old Testament (e.g. "The Peasant Poet"). However, Clare also honours the figure of Christ in poems such as "The Stranger". Later life During his early asylum years in High Beach, Essex (1837–1841), Clare re-wrote poems and sonnets by Lord Byron. Child Harold, his version of Byron's Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, became a lament for past lost love, and Don Juan, A Poem an acerbic, misogynistic, sexualised rant redolent of an ageing dandy. Clare also took credit for Shakespeare's plays, claiming to be him. "I'm John Clare now," the poet told a newspaper editor, "I was Byron and Shakespeare formerly."In July 1841, Clare absconded from the asylum in Essex and walked some 80 miles (130 km) home, believing he was to meet his first love Mary Joyce, to whom he was convinced he was married. He did not believe her family when they told him she had died accidentally three years earlier in a house fire. He remained free, mostly at home in Northborough, for the five months following, but eventually Patty called the doctors. Between Christmas and New Year, 1841, Clare was committed to Northampton General Lunatic Asylum (now St Andrew's Hospital). On his arrival at the asylum, the accompanying doctor, Fenwick Skrimshire, having treated Clare since 1820, completed the admission papers. Asked, "Was the insanity preceded by any.... Discover the Clare London popular books. Find the top 100 most popular Clare London books.

Best Seller Clare London Books of 2024

  • First Footing synopsis, comments

    First Footing

    Clare London

    Caleb and Owen's relationship thrives on conflict and banter, however deep their true feelings run. But are they really going to fall out over... a Christmas card?This was written ...

  • The Darkness Within synopsis, comments

    The Darkness Within

    Lisa Stone

    ‘The Darkness Within hooked me from the start. Once you start you won't be able to stop!’ Katerina Diamond, No.1 bestselling author of The TeacherA gripping new thriller debut that...

  • Chain of Thorns synopsis, comments

    Chain of Thorns

    Cassandra Clare

    James and Cordelia must save Londonand their marriagein this “fiendishly romantic” (Kirkus Reviews) conclusion to the Last Hours series from the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bes...

  • The Cat Who Caught a Killer synopsis, comments

    The Cat Who Caught a Killer

    L T Shearer

    The Cat Who Caught a Killer by L T Shearer is a charming cosy crime read, set in West London, for fans of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club and S. J. Bennett’s The Windsor K...

  • The Accidental Baker synopsis, comments

    The Accidental Baker

    Clare London

    Your short description will be used to market your book throughout the Smashwords site, and shared with some retailers. Do not use all capital letters. Do not enter email addresses...

  • Unwrapping synopsis, comments

    Unwrapping

    Clare London

    Last Christmas Eve, Harry and Matt got together. Sort of. This Christmas Eve – and with the help of a Secret Santa gift – will they make it official?

  • Out of Time synopsis, comments

    Out of Time

    Clare London

    Is immortality a dream or a curse?Ambrus travels in space and time, a mature and confident vampire, not looking for any permanent companion.Then in the bloody trenches of WWI, he m...

  • Goldilocks and the Bear synopsis, comments

    Goldilocks and the Bear

    Clare London

    One week, two men, three Christmas trees.In the week before Christmas, Books 'n' Brews cafe owner Gil discovers his own version of a fairytale romance. His first meeting with hands...

  • Chat Line synopsis, comments

    Chat Line

    Clare London

    Single again and alone on New Year’s Eve, Jerry’s only excitement is a messy DIY project. But when he calls an agency to arrange some help with the clean up, he’s attracted by Sean...

  • The Dark One - Versuchung der Finsternis synopsis, comments

    The Dark One - Versuchung der Finsternis

    Ronda Thompson & Ulrike Moreno

    "Liebe ist der Fluch, der dich bezwingt, doch auch der Schlüssel, der dich befreit."INHALT: London, 1821. Armond Wulf, Marquis von Wulfglen, ist durch den Fluch einer Hexe zur Eins...

  • Die geheimen Reisen des Jack London synopsis, comments

    Die geheimen Reisen des Jack London

    Christopher Golden, Tim Lebbon & Collin McMahon

    1897. Auf der Suche nach Gold und Abenteuer reist der junge Jack London in den hohen Norden, in den Yukon, wo Gold in den Flüssen entdeckt wurde. Dort muss Jack feststellen, dass d...

  • Stalker synopsis, comments

    Stalker

    Lisa Stone

    Someone is always watching… Derek Flint is a loner. He lives with his mother and spends hisevenings watching his clients on the CCTV cameras he has installed inside their home...

  • King of Dead Things synopsis, comments

    King of Dead Things

    Nevin Holness

    For fans of Legendborn, Neil Gaiman, and Leigh Bardugo, this urban young adult fantasy steeped in AfroCarribbean folklore follows two Black teens searching for a powerful artifact ...

  • Romancing the Ugly Duckling synopsis, comments

    Romancing the Ugly Duckling

    Clare London

    Is this the makeover of a lifetime?Ambitious fashionista Perry Goodwood lands the project of his dreamstrack down a celebrity family’s missing brother in the Scottish Highlands and...

  • Closet Exhibitionist synopsis, comments

    Closet Exhibitionist

    Clare London

    After a long, hard day at work, Ben was looking forward to a relaxing evening. He didn't expect to be ambushed by his mischievous partner Davey, with an eye for sexy game play.

  • Touch synopsis, comments

    Touch

    Clare London

    Will a spoiled prince abandon everything he holds dear, for a forbidden love?A powerful but pampered lord, Chariz has only a passing interest in the new slave thrown at his feet, a...

  • Say A Little Prayer synopsis, comments

    Say A Little Prayer

    Clare London

    Jonathan’s a hardworking student running a couple of jobs to fund himself through college and also help his Mum run her B&B on the Dorset coast. Despite his mischiefmaking Gran...

  • Romancing the Wrong Twin synopsis, comments

    Romancing the Wrong Twin

    Clare London

    How tangled can a romantic web get?When gruff arctic explorer Dominic HartingtonGeorge seeks sponsorship for his latest expedition, his London PA insists on a more mediafriendly pr...

  • Five Gold Blings synopsis, comments

    Five Gold Blings

    Clare London

    One Christmas, two lonely hearts, five portions of sparkle!Gray isn’t enjoying December. The weather’s grim, his job’s a struggle, and his useless boyfriend ran out on him months a...

  • Footprints synopsis, comments

    Footprints

    Clare London

    Only something as timeless and fearless as the sea can bring both peace… and passion.Antiterrorist agents Evan Riley and Adam Nolan couldn't be less alike. Evan is easygoing, sharp...

  • Muse synopsis, comments

    Muse

    Clare London

    Gavin McGrath’s art career is in ruins, his health is failing, his wife’s left him because of his promiscuity, and he’s alienated people in the industry with his aggressive and arr...

  • Eine ganze Liebe lang synopsis, comments

    Eine ganze Liebe lang

    Jodie Chapman

    Keine gewöhnliche Liebesgeschichte. Nicht der xte Roman über gebrochene Herzen. Sondern viel mehr ... Ein hochemotionales Debüt über das Heranwachsen, große Träume und die Liebe in...

  • Shy Creatures synopsis, comments

    Shy Creatures

    Clare Chambers

    In the best tradition of Tessa Hadley, Hilary Mantel, and Ann Patchettan extraordinary, keenly observed period piece about secrets and lies set in postwar Britain, when an art teac...

  • Peepshow synopsis, comments

    Peepshow

    Clare London

    Ever wanted to spy secretly on other people’s lives?Ken doesn’t have a choice: his student summer job is manning the CCTV screens for the new central London shopping mall. But inst...

  • How the Other Half Lives synopsis, comments

    How the Other Half Lives

    Clare London

    Compulsive neat freak meets chaotic slob: Can their living space survive the conflict?Martin Harrison keeps himself to himself and his Central London flat as neat as a new pin. May...

  • The Hit List synopsis, comments

    The Hit List

    Holly Seddon

    What would you do if you found your own name on a hit list? Seddon addresses this terrifying question in an explosive novel. One of the most exciting, brave and clever books I have...

  • The Cursed One - Lockruf der Finsternis synopsis, comments

    The Cursed One - Lockruf der Finsternis

    Ronda Thompson & Ulrike Moreno

    "Packend, mitreißend und sexy!" Christine Feehan über die Paranormal Regency Romance von Ronda ThompsonEngland, 1821. Die schrecklichen Kreaturen, die Amelias Mann in ihrer Hochzei...

  • Clockwork Princess synopsis, comments

    Clockwork Princess

    Cassandra Clare

    Danger and betrayal, love and loss, secrets and enchantment are woven together in the breathtaking finale to the #1 New York Times bestselling Infernal Devices Trilogy, prequel to ...

  • John Clare synopsis, comments

    John Clare

    Jonathan Bate

    The longawaited literary biography of the supreme "poets' poet"John Clare (17931864) is the greatest labouringclass poet that England has ever produced. No one has ever written mor...

  • Twelfth Night synopsis, comments

    Twelfth Night

    Clare London

    Caleb's meant to be clearing away the Christmas decorations for Twelfth Night Owen just wants to play video games. They're content together, a well established couple, who may eve...

  • About Last Night synopsis, comments

    About Last Night

    Clare London

    Roger only popped out for breakfast supplies. Was that long enough for Allen to have second thoughts?

  • Hidden Hearts synopsis, comments

    Hidden Hearts

    Clare London

    Two lonely hearts left behind on Valentine's Night, Ethan and Kel never expected a happyeverafter to be easy. But they definitely didn't expect the dating chaos that follows!Accide...

  • Clockwork Angel synopsis, comments

    Clockwork Angel

    Cassandra Clare

    Magic is dangerousbut love is more dangerous still. Discover the “compulsively readable” (Booklist) first book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy, preque...

  • Santa No. 5 synopsis, comments

    Santa No. 5

    Clare London

    No one looks good in a borrowed Santa suit. Especially in a police lineup.Jacob Carter is struggling as the new sergeant of the village police station. There’s been a rash of Chris...

  • Home Sweet Home synopsis, comments

    Home Sweet Home

    Clare London

    The attraction between Chaz and Ryan is as strong as ever but they’ve taken a relationship break, frustrated by each other’s lifestyle. Chaz is a drifter, casual to the point of ca...

  • Smack Happy synopsis, comments

    Smack Happy

    Clare London

    Phiz can’t always control his hyperactivity and propensity for chaos. But he no longer has to feel marginalised because of it, not now he has Bryan for a friend and lover. Bryan’s ...

  • The Penguin Social History of Britain synopsis, comments

    The Penguin Social History of Britain

    Roy Porter

    A portrait of 18th century England, from its princes to its paupers, from its metropolis to its smallest hamlet. The topics covered include diet, housing, prisons, rural festivals...

  • Chain of Gold synopsis, comments

    Chain of Gold

    Cassandra Clare

    From #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare comes the first novel in a brandnew trilogy where evil hides in plain sight and love cuts deeper than any bl...

  • Freeman synopsis, comments

    Freeman

    Clare London

    Two men. One desire. So many secrets.Freeman, an elusive private investigator, is back in London to take on another case. But he's been missed by more people than expected: his exw...

  • Clockwork Prince synopsis, comments

    Clockwork Prince

    Cassandra Clare

    True love is shrouded in secrets and lies in the enchanting second book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Infernal Devices Trilogy, prequel to the internationally bestselling Mo...

  • The Infernal Devices synopsis, comments

    The Infernal Devices

    Cassandra Clare

    All three books in the #1 New York Times bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy are now together in one boxed set!Step back in time with the Shadowhunters with this eBook collection ...

  • Chain of Iron synopsis, comments

    Chain of Iron

    Cassandra Clare

    A #1 New York Times Bestseller!The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of G...