The Complete Poems

In 'The Complete Poems,' readers are presented with the extensive and celebrated oeuvre of the quintessential American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This anthology encapsulates Longfellow's diverse range, from the tranquility of 'The Reaper and the Flowers' to the urgent meter of 'Excelsior.' His work, famed for its rhythm and narrative form, draws on the rich traditions of European literature and adapts them to the American landscape and sensibility, creating an accessible body of work that resonated with the public and helped shape the cultural identity of a young nation. His poem 'The Song of Hiawatha' alone stands as an emblematic piece that echoes the foundational myth-making tradition, while his domestic and reflective poems, such as 'The Children's Hour,' offer an intimate glimpse at 19th-century life and values. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a luminary in American letters, was not only a poet but also an educator and a translator. His scholarly background, with an adept understanding of European languages and the poetic forms therein, enabled him to craft verses that bridged the Old World and the New. Longfellow's academic tenure at Harvard steeped him in the classic texts and the romantic traditions of poetry, which he deftly incorporated into his own work. His efforts to humanize issues like slavery in works like 'The Slave's Dream' and 'The Witnesses' demonstrate his moral engagement and reflect the broader antebellum cultural climate that would partially seed the conflict of the American Civil War. 'The Complete Poems' is a testament to Longfellow's literary prowess and an essential collection for aficionados of American literature. His accessibility and mastery of poetic form make this anthology a treasure trove for the seasoned reader as well as a welcoming gateway for newcomers to poetry. Scholars and casual readers alike will find joy and profound meaning in Longfellow's reflective, diverse, and astutely composed verses. As a mirror of its time and a beacon through history, these poems continue to resonate and illuminate, bridging centuries with their enduring elegance and grace.

Auteur

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) is widely remembered as one of the foremost American poets of the 19th century. Born in Portland, Maine, which was then a part of Massachusetts, Longfellow showed an early interest in literature and language. He attended Bowdoin College alongside Nathaniel Hawthorne, graduating in 1825 before embarking on a European tour to prepare for a professorship in modern languages. Longfellow made significant contributions to American literature with his use of native themes and his adaptation of European methods. His works often combined romantic lyricism with historical and mythological subjects, as seen in 'The Complete Poems' - a compendium that reflects the diverse span of his poetic narratives (Longfellow, H. W., 'The Complete Poems'). A hallmark of Longfellow's style lies in his narrative poems like 'The Song of Hiawatha' and 'Evangeline', both noted for their rhythms and accessibility to a wide range of readers. In addition to his poetry, Longfellow also took an interest in the translation of Dante's 'Divine Comedy', bringing that monumental work to an American audience. His tenure at Harvard University further solidified his reputation as a respected academic and literary figure. Today, Longfellow's contributions to American letters are celebrated for their emotional depth, lyrical beauty, and enduring popularity.