Rogers Samuel

Rogers, Samuel (1763-1855), poet, was the son of a London banker, and was born at Newington Green. He entered his father's bank after receiving a good education, and published his first volume of poems in 1786. It was a crude effort, and was coldly received. In 1792 his Pleasures of Memory appeared, and at once gave him a wide poetical reputation. It was followed at intervals by Human Life (1819), Italy (1822), and other works, and upon the embellishment of these works by Turner and other artists he spent an immense sum - nearly £15,000. Rogers was well known in society, and on the death of his father in 1793 he took a house in St. James's Place, where all the greatest writers could be met at his famous breakfasts. He was very generous, though known for his caustic sayings. His collection of art-objects sold after his death for a large sum. His Recollections were published by his nephew.