Philip James Bailey (1816 – 1902) was an English poet, best known as the author of Festus. He was born in Nottingham and brought up on the poetry of Lord Byron. At the age of 15, he matriculated at Glasgow University. Dropping the idea of becoming a Presbyterian minister, he began in 1833 to study law in a solicitor’s office in London. but never practised law. In 1836, Bailey retired to his father’s house at Old Basford, near Nottingham, to write. In 1856, he received a civil list pension in recognition of his literary work.

Quotes by Philip James Bailey…