Of Agriculture - Classic Text | Alexandria
Of Agriculture by Abraham Cowley (1668)
"Of Agriculture" stands as one of the most significant works in the canon of English georgic poetry, penned by the influential 17th-century metaphysical poet Abraham Cowley (1618-1667). This prose essay, published posthumously in 1668 as part of Cowley's "Several Discourses by way of Essays," represents a sophisticated meditation on the virtues of agricultural life and its philosophical implications for human society.
The work emerged during a pivotal period in English history, as the nation grappled with the aftermath of the Civil War and the Restoration of Charles II. Cowley, having returned from exile in France, composed this piece while residing in relative seclusion at Barn Elms, reflecting his personal retreat from political turbulence to the pastoral ideal. The essay draws inspiration from classical sources, particularly Virgil's Georgics and Pliny's Natural History, while responding to contemporary agricultural developments and the scientific revolution of the 17th century.
What distinguishes "Of Agriculture" is its unique fusion of practical agricultural knowledge with philosophical contemplation. Cowley presents farming not merely as an economic necessity but as a moral imperative and source of spiritual fulfillment. The text weaves together Biblical references, classical allusions, and contemporary observations, creating a complex tapestry that elevates agriculture to an art form worthy of scholarly attention. His treatment of the subject influenced later writers and contributed to the development of the English country house poem tradition.
The essay's legacy extends beyond its historical context, resonating with modern environmental and social movements. Cowley's advocacy for agricultural life as a remedy for social ills and his emphasis on humanity's relationship with nature prefigure contemporary discussions about sustainable living and environmental stewardship. The work continues to intrigue scholars for its sophisticated interweaving of practical wisdom, classical learning, and moral philosophy, while raising pertinent questions about humanity's relationship with the natural world. In an age of increasing urbanization and environmental concerns, Cowley's celebration of agricultural life offers both historical insight and contemporary relevance, inviting readers to reconsider the fundamental relationship between human society and the cultivation of the earth.