Subject
American poetry -- 19th century Books
Best books
Walt Whitman
Leaves of Grass
"Leaves of Grass" by Walt Whitman is a poetry collection first published in 1855. Beginning with just twelve poems, Whitman continuously revised and expanded this work throughout his life, eventually creating a collection of over four hundred poems. He celebrates American democracy, nature, the human body, and sensual pleasure in verse that breaks traditional rules of rhyme and meter. The book's explicit content sparked controversy and condemnation, yet it ultimately became recognized as one of the central works of American poetry.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
The Wonderful "One-Hoss-Shay", and Other Poems
"The Wonderful 'One-Hoss-Shay', and Other Poems" by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a collection of humorous and satirical poems written during the late 19th century. This book reflects Holmes's wit and literary prowess, delving into themes of human nature, society, and the passage of time, encapsulated in cleverly constructed verses and engaging narratives. The centerpiece of this collection is the titular poem, "The Wonderful 'One-Hoss-Shay'," which tells the story of a deacon who builds a chaise that is so perfectly constructed that it doesn't break down over the years but rather collapses all at once after a hundred years of service. The poem serves as a metaphor for life's inevitable wear and tear, and it concludes with a humorous twist as the deacon's creation unexpectedly falls apart. Other poems in the collection explore various subjects, including nostalgia, the passage of time, and reflections on life and memory, all articulated with a distinctive blend of humor and poignancy, showcasing Holmes's unique voice and keen observation.
John Greenleaf Whittier
The Works of John Greenleaf Whittier, Complete
"The Works of John Greenleaf Whittier, Complete" by John Greenleaf Whittier is a comprehensive collection of narrative and legendary poems written in the mid-19th century. This volume showcases the poet's exploration of themes such as freedom, human rights, and historical narratives, focusing particularly on the struggle against slavery and social injustices of his time. Whittier's work is deeply infused with a sense of place, drawing on New England's landscape and its storied past, often invoking figures and events from both indigenous history and colonial America. The opening of the collection presents an overview and preface that highlight Whittier’s revisions and personal reflections on his earlier works. He discusses his early poems, some of which he regards with ambivalence but acknowledges their significance in the context of the anti-slavery movement. Among the poems mentioned, "The Vaudois Teacher" and "The Female Martyr" set a somber tone, emphasizing moral and spiritual themes, as they recount the dedication of the Waldensians and a young martyr who served the sick during a cholera outbreak, respectively. The initial chapters establish a foundational understanding of Whittier's poetic style and the historical contexts that frame his artistry, hinting at a collection rich with emotional weight and social commentary.
William Cullen Bryant
Poems by William Cullen Bryant
"Poems by William Cullen Bryant" by William Cullen Bryant is a collection of poetry written in the mid-19th century. This collection showcases the author's deep connection with nature, life, death, and the human experience, touching on various themes such as beauty, loss, and reflection on the passage of time. Through a variety of lyrical forms, Bryant’s work emphasizes both the serene and tumultuous aspects of existence. The opening of the collection includes a note by the author expressing the pleasure in allowing his poems to be published for readers in Europe, signifying the international appeal of his work. This is followed by several poems, including "The Ages," which explores the themes of mortality and the cyclical nature of life, and "Thanatopsis," where the poet offers reflections on death and the solace found in connecting with nature. Through these pieces, readers are introduced to Bryant's contemplative style and the rich imagery he employs to articulate complex themes, inviting them to ponder profound truths about life and existence.
J. Wm. (John William) Lloyd
Songs of the unblind Cupid
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Unknown
Modern American Poetry
"Modern American Poetry" by Louis Untermeyer is a collection of poetry written in the early 20th century. This anthology reflects the evolution of American poetry from the late 19th century onward, showcasing the diverse voices and styles that emerged in response to significant cultural shifts. The collection is likely centered around the works of notable poets like Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman, who represent foundational influences on the subsequent generation of American writers. At the start of this anthology, the preface sets the stage for the exploration of modern American poetry, highlighting the transition from the pre-Civil War literary tradition to a more vigorous expression reflecting the realities of post-war America. Untermeyer discusses the impact of poets such as Whitman, who broke away from traditional forms and embraced a more democratic and accessible style, as he critiques the earlier literary establishment for its detachment from the evolving American spirit. This opening lays the groundwork for understanding the breadth and significance of the works included in the anthology, which promises a rich tapestry of themes and styles that redefine American poetry.
John Greenleaf Whittier
Narrative and Legendary Poems, Complete Volume I of The Works of John Greenleaf Whittier
"Narrative and Legendary Poems, Complete" by John Greenleaf Whittier is a collection of poems and ballads written in the mid-19th century, reflecting the poetic traditions and social issues of its time. The work encompasses a variety of themes, including historical episodes, legendary tales, and reflections on deeper human experiences, notably touching on subjects such as freedom, martyrdom, and the lives of marginalized individuals. At the start of the collection, Whittier introduces readers to the depth of his poetic journey through a "Proem," expressing a heartfelt admiration for classic poetry while humbly acknowledging his own limitations in artistry. He provides insights into the political and social landscape of his era, particularly the struggles against slavery and the quest for human rights, setting a powerful tone for the subsequent poetry. The opening poems present vivid narratives, including tales of the Vaudois Teacher, a Christian figure who quietly subverts tyranny through faith, and the Female Martyr, honoring a young Sister of Charity who dies while tending to the sick during a cholera outbreak. These pieces highlight a fusion of personal sacrifice and broader social commentary that characterizes Whittier's work, inviting readers to engage with both the beauty and gravitas of human experience.
John Greenleaf Whittier
Poems of Nature, Poems Subjective and Reminiscent and Religious Poems, Complete Volume II of The Works of John Greenleaf Whittier
"Poems of Nature, Poems Subjective and Reminiscent and Religious Poems, Complete" by John Greenleaf Whittier is a comprehensive collection of poetry likely written in the 19th century. This anthology encapsulates Whittier's deep appreciation for nature, human emotions, and spirituality, offering readers a rich tapestry of themes from the beauty of the natural world to reflections on personal and religious experiences. The opening portion of the collection introduces a series of nature-themed poems, beginning with "The Frost Spirit," which personifies winter's arrival. Whittier vividly describes the effects of frost upon the landscape, including trees, lakes, and streams, creating a somber yet magical ambiance. He moves on to contextualize this within New England settings in other pieces, such as "The Merrimac," capturing the tranquility of rivers and familial connections to the land. The poems evoke sensory experiences and philosophical musings on nature's seasons, revealing Whittier's profound relationship with the environment and its cycles.
John Greenleaf Whittier
Personal Poems, Complete Volume IV of The Works of John Greenleaf Whittier
"Personal Poems, Complete" by John Greenleaf Whittier is a collection of poetry written in the mid-19th century, showcasing the heartfelt expressions of a prominent voice in American literature. This compilation encompasses a variety of themes such as loss, remembrance, love, social justice, and the beauty of nature, often reflecting the author's Quaker beliefs and his passionate involvement in the abolitionist movement. The opening of the volume presents a rich tapestry of lyrical poems, beginning with "A Lament," where Whittier mourns the loss of a dear friend, capturing the profound sense of sorrow and the painful reverberations of grief that accompany loss. Subsequent poems pay tribute to notable figures of Whittier's time, such as Charles B. Storrs and S. Oliver Torrey, highlighting their contributions to human freedom and the anti-slavery cause. The tone throughout is both contemplative and elegiac, filled with an appreciation for the beauty of the human spirit and a call to remember and act upon the shared responsibilities of compassion and justice. This collection promises readers an intimate glimpse into the emotional landscape of Whittier's mind, underscored by his commitment to social reform and the timeless nature of love and loss.
Esther Parker Ellinger
The Southern war poetry of the Civil War
"The Southern War Poetry of the Civil War" by Esther Parker Ellinger is a scholarly publication written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a comprehensive thesis that delves into the rich tapestry of poetry generated in the Confederate States during the Civil War, highlighting its emotional significance and cultural impact. Ellinger argues for the importance of these poetic expressions as vital reflections of the Southern experience and sentiment during a tumultuous period. At the start of the work, Ellinger expresses gratitude to those who contributed to her research and provides context for the poetry of the time, asserting that it served as a powerful medium for emotional expression that went beyond mere historical facts. The opening chapter emphasizes the significance of Southern war poetry as an articulate voice that conveyed the sentiments of a people engaged in a struggle for liberty and identity, countering the notion that such literary output was of lesser importance. It asserts that the poetry not only chronicled the events of the war but also captured the spirit, passion, and dedication of the Southern populace involved in the conflict.
Henry David Thoreau
Poems of Nature
"Poems of Nature" by Henry David Thoreau is a collection of poetry that explores the beauty and philosophy of the natural world. This book was likely compiled during the late 19th century, reflecting a period that saw a growing interest in nature and transcendentalist thought in America. Thoreau's poetry often intertwines themes of nature with introspection, highlighting the relationship between humanity and the environment. The collection consists of numerous poems that delve into various aspects of nature, human emotions, and philosophical reflections. Notable pieces include meditations on the seasons, the transient beauty of life, and the deeper connections we share with the natural world. Thoreau's writing showcases his keen observations and introspective thoughts, often portraying nature as a source of solace and inspiration. Each poem invites readers to pause and consider their relationship with the world around them, encouraging a deep appreciation for the simplicity and complexity of nature's beauty.
Julia C. R. (Julia Caroline Ripley) Dorr
Afterglow : $b Later poems
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