John Dyer

John Dyer (born 1699, Carmarthenshire, Wales; died 1757, Coningsby, Lincolnshire, England) was a Welsh poet and painter, best known for his topographical poems.

Dyer received his early education at Westminster School. He initially pursued painting, studying under Jonathan Richardson. He traveled extensively in Italy, a journey that profoundly influenced his artistic and literary sensibilities. While he showed promise as an artist, he eventually dedicated himself primarily to poetry.

His major works include "Grongar Hill" (1726), a celebrated descriptive poem of his native Wales; "The Ruins of Rome" (1740), a blank verse poem reflecting on the decay of Roman civilization; and "The Fleece" (1757), a longer didactic poem concerning the wool trade. "Grongar Hill" is perhaps his most enduring work, notable for its vivid descriptions of nature and its blend of observation and philosophical reflection.

Dyer's poetry is characterized by its descriptive detail, its melancholy tone, and its patriotic sentiments. He often explored themes of nature, history, and the moral implications of societal change. While his work fell somewhat out of favor in later periods, he is considered an important figure in the development of topographical poetry in the 18th century. He was ordained in the Church of England in 1741, and served as a clergyman in several parishes.