The Complete Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (eBook)

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) remains one of the most beloved and important figures in American poetry, known for crafting verses that resonated with the tastes and values of his time. A titan of 19th-century American literature, he was a professor at Harvard University and a central figure in the cultural landscape of New England. Longfellow's poetry was characterized by its clear, mellifluous style, easy rhyme, and accessible narrative forms - features that contributed to his mass appeal and have rendered his work a staple of American literary curriculum ('The Complete Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow'). His extensive oeuvre includes such enduring classics as 'The Song of Hiawatha', which paints a rich tapestry of Native American folklore, and 'Evangeline', a poignant narrative poem exploring themes of loss and perseverance. Longfellow's impact extended beyond his narrative poetry; his shorter lyrical works, such as 'The Village Blacksmith' and 'Paul Revere's Ride', have become ingrained in the American consciousness. His translation of Dante's 'Divine Comedy' is considered a monumental achievement in literary translation. Celebrated for his humanistic themes and universal perspective, Longfellow's work fostered a sense of cultural nationalism and presented American themes in a distinctly literary form, establishing his lasting legacy as a key figure in the shaping of American identity and literature.