Poetry (eBook)

The Complete Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow presents the quintessential collection of verses by one of America's most beloved poets. The anthology traverses a rich and vast landscape of literary artistry, unfolding across a milieu of thematic frontiers—from the gently lit paths of everyday life to the dark corridors of slavery and the vibrant pulse of nature. Longfellow's mastery in creating lyrical ballads, such as 'The Wreck of the Hesperus' and exquisite longer narrative pieces like 'Evangeline,' is here displayed in full splendor, set within the wider context of 19th-century romantic literature and sealed with the poet's trademark use of meter and rhyme. This edition, embracing Longfellow's career-spanning contributions to the poetic canon, invites both scholarly admiration and reflective enjoyment.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, an erudite scholar and a professor at Harvard, carved his niche in the annals of American literature as a poet of the people. His scholarly background and linguistic prowess were stepping stones to crafting verse that resonated with the hearts of a burgeoning nation, addressing themes of personal perseverance, historical reflection, and the transformative power of nature and the human spirit. Longfellow's poetic discourse on topics such as life, death, love, and cultural identity underlines a profound empathy—a beacon that led him to pen 'Poems on Slavery,' echoing the moral consciousness that prevailed in the era's reformist circles.

This definitive edition, which encapsulates Longfellow's poetic journey, is a treasure trove for literary enthusiasts and a foundational pillar for any collection of American verse. It is recommended for readers who long to immerse themselves in a world where rich verse and historical narrative coalesce, and for those who seek to appreciate the lyrical legacy that shaped and reflected the cultural ethos of 19th-century America. Longfellow's work, universal in its themes and rich in its storytelling, is poised to enchant, educate, and inspire generations of readers and poets alike.