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00220--Satanic School of Poetry [English Literature free notes]


Robert Southey, the poet laureate, applied this term in the preface to his Vision of Judgement brought out in 1822. This name, Satanic School of Poetry refers to poets like Lord Byron, P.B.Shelley, and their imitators.  Southey writes, "Immoral writers who have rebelled against the holiest ordinances of human society."  In 1822, Lord Byron and Leigh Hunt joined in the production of "Liberal Magazine".  The first issue of the magazine contained Lord Byron's The Vision of Judgement came as the outcome of his feud with Southey.  Byron's poetry was much criticised on moral grounds, but was greatly popular at home, and abroad.  Southey's next target was P.B.Shelley on the ground of rebellion spirit.