The Pennyles Pilgrimage (ePub)

John Taylor, an English poet and pamphleteer, often referred to as 'the Water Poet', was a prolific writer of the early 17th century. His works reflect a colorful career as a Thames waterman, a position that granted him access to both the city's working-class citizens and its elite. Born in Gloucester on August 24, 1578, Taylor moved to London where he apprenticed as a waterman, ferrying passengers across the River Thames, a vocation that deeply informed his literary work. Noted for his travel narratives and satirical verse, Taylor frequently financed his own publications, an indication of his innovative approach to disseminating literature. 'The Pennyles Pilgrimage' (1618) is one of Taylor's adventure accounts, a travelogue that describes his journey on foot from London to Scotland. Demonstrating his characteristic use of humor and firsthand observation, the work is as much a social commentary as a travel memoir. It epitomizes Taylor's style, which often included vivid, colloquial language and a critical eye toward the social and political issues of his era. Taylor's literary output encompasses over 150 works, ranging from political discourse to comedic poetry, securing his place in the canon of early modern English literature. He passed away in 1653, leaving behind a legacy marked by wit, adventure, and an unflinching reflection of contemporary life.