Charles Lamb (1775-1834) was initially groomed for a career in the clergy, but his stutter prevented him from public speaking. He started writing poetry and prose in his early 20s, despite his duties taking care of his sister Mary, who went insane in 1796 and murdered their mother. He continued to care for her at home despite her worsening condition and his own mental troubles. His essays display a highly idiosyncratic and playful style that accompanies the keenness of his mind. He was much loved by his friends, which included most of the great English literary figures of his age.