The Complete Poetical Works of James Russell Lowell is a collection of poems by the American poet and critic James Russell Lowell. The collection contains Lowell's entire poetic output, including his early satirical works, his political poems, and his later, more contemplative works. Lowell's early satirical poems, such as "A Fable for Critics" and "The Biglow Papers," are witty and humorous, but also critical of contemporary political and social issues. His political poems, including "The Present Crisis", address the issues of slavery, the Civil War, and the abolition of slavery. In his later works, such as "The Cathedral" and "The Vision of Sir Launfal," Lowell turns to more contemplative themes, exploring the nature of beauty, spirituality, and the role of the artist in society. Throughout his poems, Lowell demonstrates a keen sense of language and a mastery of poetic form, from the sonnet to the ballad. His works are marked by a deep understanding of the human condition and a profound commitment to social justice, making The Complete Poetical Works of James Russell Lowell an enduring contribution to American poetry.
James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) was an American poet, critic, essayist, and diplomat. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard in 1838, where he later taught as a professor of languages and literature. Lowell was a founding member of the literary magazine The Atlantic Monthly and served as its first editor from 1857 to 1861. He was also a prominent abolitionist and wrote several political poems, including "The Present Crisis" and "Commemoration Ode," which addressed the issue of slavery and the Civil War. In addition to his literary pursuits, Lowell served as a diplomat, representing the United States in Spain and Great Britain. He was appointed Minister to Spain in 1877 and Minister to Great Britain in 1880. Lowell's poetry was marked by his use of wit, satire, and social commentary, as well as his mastery of various poetic forms, including the sonnet and the ballad. His notable works include "The Biglow Papers","A Fable for Critics," and "The Vision of Sir Launfal." Lowell's legacy in American literature and culture is significant. He helped to establish American literary criticism as a serious field of study, and his poetry continues to be celebrated for its humor, social critique, and technical skill.
