Matthew Lewis English novelist and playwright. Date of Birth: 09.07.1775 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Matthew Lewis

Matthew Lewis was an English novelist and playwright born on July 9, 1775 in London. He studied at Westminster School and Christ Church College, Oxford University. From a young age, Lewis showed great talent in writing and was already producing a significant amount of work by the age of 16.

Lewis had a profound knowledge of German culture and in 1792, he had the opportunity to meet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Weimar. This encounter further influenced his writing style and themes.

In 1794, while serving as an attaché to the British Embassy in The Hague, Lewis wrote his famous work, "The Monk," in just two and a half months. The novel was published in 1795, earning Lewis the nickname "Monk Lewis." Inspired by Ann Radcliffe's novel "The Mysteries of Udolpho" (1794), "The Monk" is a gothic horror novel that tells the story of a corrupt Capuchin monk named Ambrosio. Seduced by a disguised young novice, Matilda, Ambrosio succumbs to temptation and commits terrible acts. When his crimes are discovered, he is put on trial by the Inquisition. In a desperate attempt to save himself, Ambrosio sells his soul to the devil, but is ultimately deceived and meets a tragic end.

Upon his return to England, Lewis became a member of the House of Commons from 1796 to 1802. He also wrote several plays, with his most successful work being the tragedy "The Castle Spectre." The play was performed at the Drury Lane Theatre in 1798 under the direction of Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

In the same year, Lewis formed a friendship with Sir Walter Scott. Scott credited Lewis's "Tales of Wonder" as an influence on his own ballads, including "Glenfinlas," "The Eve of St. John," and "The Gray Brother." Scott expressed his gratitude to Lewis for his inspiration on multiple occasions.

During his travels, Lewis had the opportunity to meet Lord Byron and visited his extensive inherited estates in the West Indies. Unfortunately, Lewis's life was cut short by yellow fever. He died on May 14, 1818 on board a ship during his journey from the West Indies back to England.