Edward Taylor (priest)

Edward Taylor (c. 1642 – June 24, 1729) was a Puritan minister, physician, and poet in colonial Westfield, Massachusetts. He is considered one of the most important early American poets, though his work was largely unknown until the 20th century.

Taylor was born in Sketchley, Leicestershire, England. Details of his early life are scarce, but he likely received some formal education before emigrating to New England in 1668, possibly due to religious nonconformity. He enrolled at Harvard College, graduating in 1671.

Following graduation, Taylor accepted the call to become the minister of the church in Westfield, Massachusetts, a frontier settlement. He served there for over 50 years until his death. He was also the town's physician, tending to the physical and spiritual needs of his parishioners.

Taylor's poetry remained unpublished during his lifetime. He seems to have written primarily for his own spiritual edification and as part of his preparation for administering communion. His poems are characterized by their intense religious devotion, complex imagery, and exploration of theological themes. He is best known for his Preparatory Meditations Before My Approach to the Lord's Supper, a series of poems intended to help him focus his mind and heart on the sacrament.

His other significant poetic works include "God's Determinations Touching His Elect," a lengthy poem exploring the themes of salvation and God's grace, and a series of occasional poems.

Taylor's poetry exhibits a unique blend of Puritan theology and baroque poetic techniques, including elaborate metaphors, conceits, and striking imagery. He drew inspiration from both the Bible and contemporary English poetry, but developed a distinctive and individual voice.

Edward Taylor's manuscripts were discovered in the Yale University Library in the 1930s, and his poetry was first published in 1939. Since then, he has been recognized as a major figure in American literature, offering valuable insights into the religious and intellectual life of colonial New England.