Poet, philosopher, and critic, Samuel Taylor Coleridge is now best remembered for the extraordinary "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan." With his friend William Wordsworth he founded the Romantic movement--theirs was one of the most productive and creative partnerships in the history of English literature; together with Robert Southey, they became known as the Lake Poets. Daniel Hahn traces the history of Coleridge's life, his intense friendship with William and Mary Wordsworth, his travels through Europe, failed marriage, and crippling addiction to opium. He reveals the inspiration for Coleridge's greatest works, and proffers insightful extracts from the poet's compositions. The result is a succinct and rounded portrayal of this great writer.