WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
The Function of the Poet, and Other Essays cover

The Function of the Poet, and Other Essays

By James Russell Lowell
Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

American LiteratureEssays, Letters & Speeches

About This Book

A set of lectures and essays that probes the nature and duties of the poet, the workings of imagination, and principles of literary criticism, accompanied by magazine reviews of contemporaries. The pieces range from formal addresses to shorter critical fragments, treating style, meter, language, humor, satire, and questions of national poetry. Several essays reflect on five canonical authors and offer close readings and biographical notes on poets and prose writers such as Poe, Longfellow, Whittier, Howells, James, Thackeray, Swift, and Plutarch. The collection combines analytical discussion with spirited commentary on moral and aesthetic aspects of literature.

About the Author

Lowell, James Russell portrait

James Russell Lowell

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) was an American poet, critic, and essayist, known for his contributions to the literary and cultural landscape of the 19th century. A prominent figure in the American Romantic movement, he is celebrated for works such as "The Biglow Papers," which blend humor and social commentary. Lowell's writings often reflect his deep engagement with issues of his time, including abolitionism and education. He served as a professor at Harvard and was a key figure in the literary community, contributing to various periodicals. His essays and poetry continue to resonate, showcasing his wit and insight into the human experience.

More Books by This Author

6 picks
A Fable for Critics cover A Fable for Critics by James Russell Lowell Abraham Lincoln cover Abraham Lincoln by James Russell Lowell American ideas for English readers cover American ideas for English readers by James Russell Lowell Among My Books. First Series cover Among My Books. First Series by James Russell Lowell Among My Books. Second Series cover Among My Books. Second Series by James Russell Lowell Heartsease and Rue cover Heartsease and Rue by James Russell Lowell

You May Also Like

6 picks
Hand and Ring cover Hand and Ring by Anna Katharine Green Back Home cover Back Home by Eugene Wood A Series of Letters, in Defence of Divine Revelation / In Reply to Rev. Abner Kneeland's Serious Inquiry into the Authenticity of the Same. To Which is Added, a Religious Correspondence, Between the Rev. Hosea Ballou, and the Rev. Dr. Joseph Buckminster and Rev. Joseph Walton, Pastors of Congregational Churches in Portsmouth, N. H. cover A Series of Letters, in Defence of Divine Revelation / In Reply to Rev. Abner Kneeland's Serious Inquiry into the Authenticity of the Same. To Which is Added, a Religious Correspondence, Between the Rev. Hosea Ballou, and the Rev. Dr. Joseph Buckminster and Rev. Joseph Walton, Pastors of Congregational Churches in Portsmouth, N. H. by Hosea Ballou The Border Boys Across the Frontier cover The Border Boys Across the Frontier by John Henry Goldfrap Frank in the Woods cover Frank in the Woods by Harry Castlemon The Social Gangster cover The Social Gangster by Arthur B. Reeve