A 17th-century poet and author who wrote satirical and humorous works, including a famous continuation of Izaak Walton's "The Compleat Angler".
Charles Cotton was a 17th-century English poet, writer, and angler, best known for his remarkable translations of Michel de Montaigne's works from French and his significant contributions to the iconic book, The Compleat Angler. Additionally, he is attributed with writing The Compleat Gamester, a work that showcases his mastery of language and wit.
Born on April 28, 1630, in Alstonefield, Staffordshire, Cotton was the son of Charles Cotton the Elder, a friend of notable figures such as Ben Jonson, John Selden, and Sir Henry Wotton. Despite not attending university, Cotton received a tutorship from Ralph Rawson, a fellow of Brasenose College, Oxford.
In his early years, Cotton traveled to France and possibly Italy, broadening his horizons and refining his linguistic skills. At the age of 28, he inherited an estate heavily burdened by lawsuits, which he managed to settle over time.
Cotton's friendship with Izaak Walton, a fellow angler and writer, began around 1655. This unlikely acquaintance debunked any assumptions about Cotton's character based on his coarse burlesques of Virgil and Lucian. The two friends shared a deep love for fishing, and Cotton contributed a significant section to Walton's The Compleat Angler, titled "Instructions how to angle for a trout or grayling in a clear stream."
This addition, consisting of 12 chapters, showcased Cotton's expertise in fly fishing and his passion for the sport. The pair's friendship was further commemorated by the placement of their initials, made into a cipher, over the door of Cotton's fishing cottage on the Dove near Hartington.
In 1656, Cotton married his cousin Isabella Hutchinson, daughter of Thomas Hutchinson, M.P. for Nottingham. This union marked a significant milestone in his personal life, which was characterized by quiet country pursuits and literary endeavors.
Charles Cotton's contributions to literature and angling have left an indelible mark on English culture. His translations of Montaigne's works and his additions to The Compleat Angler have inspired generations of writers, anglers, and scholars.
Today, Cotton's legacy extends beyond his literary works, as he is remembered as a true Renaissance man – a poet, writer, angler, and gentleman. His life, marked by quiet simplicity and literary grandeur, continues to captivate and inspire those who delve into the world of 17th-century English literature.
Through his life, works, and friendships, Charles Cotton has left an enduring legacy, weaving together the threads of literature, angling, and personal relationships to create a tapestry of remarkable beauty and complexity.
Born in 1573
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