William Godwin (1756-1836)
Philosopher and novelist, born in Wisbeach, and educated at a school in Norwich and subsequently at a Presbyterian college at Hoxton, with a view to the ministry. From 1778 to 1783 he acted as minister of various congregations near London; yet, since his theological views had undergone important changes, he resigned his pastorate, and devoted himself to a literary career. His first work, a series of historical sketches in the form of sermons, failed. He then found employment as one of the principal writers in the New Annual Register, and became otherwise prominent as an advocate of political and social reform. Many of his views were peculiar and extreme, and even tended, if fully carried out in practice, to subvert morality; but they were supported by their author with a whole-hearted belief in their efficacy for the regeneration of society. In addition, the singular circumstances of his marriage to Mary Wollstonecraft proved at least that he had the courage of his opinions.
His Enquiry concerning Political Justice (1793) made him famous. A year later he published his masterpiece, Caleb Williams, a novel exhibiting a sombre strength rarely equalled. The next few years were marked by political controversy, something that Godwin was, by his sincerity and his masculine style, well fitted for; and it was exactly in the midst of these—in 1797—that his first marriage, already alluded to, and the death of his wife occurred. In 1799 his second great novel, St. Leon, based upon the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life, was released. His other novels, Fleetwood (1804), Mandeville (1817), and Cloudesley (1830), are of little interest. Besides, Godwin brought out an elaborate Life of Chaucer in 2 volumes (1803), An Essay on Sepulchres (1808), displaying much fine thought finely expressed, A History of the Commonwealth, an Essay against the theories of Malthus (q.v.), and his last work, Lives of the Necromancers.
For some time he took on publishing business, in which, however, he ultimately proved to be unsuccessful. In his later years he had the office of Yeoman Usher of the Exchequer conferred upon him. In 1801, Godwin embarked on a new marriage with a widow, Mrs. Clairmont, who had already a son and daughter. His daughter by his first marriage—Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin,— became the wife of Shelley in 1816. Godwin was a man of simple manners and imperturbable temper.
From Biographical Dictionary of English Literature - the Everyman Edition of 1910

links:  - William Godwin and anarchy  - Godwin's Enquiry Concerning Political Justice