James Henry Leigh Hunt (1784-1859), popularly known as Leigh Hunt, was an English poet, essayist, journalist, editor, writer and critic, who remained a prominent figure of the Romantic Movement in England. He was the editor of influential journals like ‘The Reflector’, and ‘The Indicator’, at a time when periodicals were culturally quite effective and on the roll.
He wrote poetry in varied forms that embodied satires, epistles, narrative poems, short lyrics, odes, sonnets and poetic dramas. His works were noted for their intense and expressive descriptions along with rhythmic and soulful qualities.
He was an enthusiast of nature and surroundings, a master of temperament, which reflected in many of his works that infuse a feeling of vivaciousness and joy. As a boy, Hunt was an admirer of Thomas Grey and William Collins and tried imitating them in many ways. Since he had difficulties in speech, which was cured later, he could not make it to the university.
The themes of most of his poems were patriotism, love for nature and friendship. He translated poems of many foreign languages including French, Roman, Greek and Italian. Two of his remarkable play productions are A Legend of Florence and Lovers’ Amazements, while The Story of Rimini and Abou Ben Adhem are regarded as his major poems.