Title: The excursion
Description: Wordsworth's longest poem, and the only part of a projected magnum opus to be published in his lifetime, The Excursion has been neglected in favor of its autobiographical companion, The Prelude. It is however one of the great works of English Romanticism, in which Wordsworth succeeds in his object of conveying clear thoughts, lively images, and strong feelings. Through the semi-dramatic adoption of various selves he narrates the stories of a range of Lake District inhabitants, most famously in the tragic tale of the ruined cottage; airs views on the French and Industrial Revolutions (attacking the factory system and advocating universal state education); and meditates on Man, Nature, and Society.  .
Subjects: Epitaphs, History and criticism