The Pleasures of Hope

work by Campbell

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June 17, 2026

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The Pleasures of Hope is a poem written by Scottish poet Thomas Campbell in 1799. It is a traditional 18th-century survey of human affairs, written in heroic couplets, and was popular enough to go through four editions in its first year. Campbell is also remembered for his sentimental and martial lyrics, including patriotic war songs like "Ye Mariners of England" and "The Battle of the Baltic". Campbell was also instrumental in the founding of the University of London.1

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Thomas Campbell
In 1799 he wrote The Pleasures of Hope, a traditional 18th-century survey in heroic couplets of human affairs. It went through four editions within a year.
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In 1799 he wrote The Pleasures of Hope, a traditional 18th-century survey in heroic couplets of human affairs. It went through four editions within a year.
Read More