James Russell Lowell published 2 novels, 6 non-fiction books, 8 poetry collections and 6 other books, beginning with Poems (1842). The best-known is Mark Twain's Library of Humour (1888).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with James Russell Lowell
Start here
Mark Twain's Library of Humour
James Russell Lowell's most-read book.
Standalone novels in order
Mark Twain's Library of Humour (1888)
Letters of James Russell Lowell (1893)
Non-fiction in order
Fireside Travels (1884)
My Study Windows (1886)
Political Essays (1888)
Literary Essays (1890)
Latest Literary Essays and Addresses (1891)
The Old English Dramatists (1891)
Poetry in order
Poems (1842)
Conversations on Some of the Old Poets (1845)
The Biglow Papers (1856)
The Poetical Works of James Russell Lowell (1865)
Among My Books (1870)
Heartsease and Rue (1888)
The English Poets, Lessing, Rousseau (1888)
Early Poems (1890)
Other books in order
Democracy (1887)
Books and Libraries (1889)
A Fable for Critics (1890)
Literary and Political Addresses (1890)
Writings (1890)
Gems from Lowell (1900)
Free to read
All free classicsPoems of James Russell Lowell
The Complete Poetical Works of James Russell Lowell
The Writings of James Russell Lowell in Prose and Poetry, Volume V
Among My Books. First Series
The Vision of Sir Launfal
Among My Books. Second Series
My Garden Acquaintance
The Function of the Poet, and Other Essays
Abraham Lincoln
Lectures on English poets
The Cathedral
American ideas for English readers
About James Russell Lowell
James Russell Lowell was an American Romantic poet, critic, editor, and diplomat. He is associated with the fireside poets, a group of New England writers who were among the first American poets to rival the popularity of British poets. These writers usually used conventional forms and meters in their poetry, making them suitable for families entertaining at their firesides.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
James Russell Lowell FAQ
- How many books has James Russell Lowell written?
- James Russell Lowell published 2 novels, 6 non-fiction books, 8 poetry collections and 6 other books that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read James Russell Lowell's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Mark Twain's Library of Humour.
- What is James Russell Lowell's last book?
- Letters of James Russell Lowell (1893).
- What is James Russell Lowell's most famous book?
- Mark Twain's Library of Humour (1888) is James Russell Lowell's most widely read book.
- Does James Russell Lowell write under a pen name?
- Yes: James Russell Lowell has also published as Hugh Perceval and Hugh Peters.
- Can I read James Russell Lowell's books for free?
- Yes. 17 books by James Russell Lowell are in the public domain in the US and free to read online or download here.
Authors like James Russell Lowell
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers, free texts from Project Gutenberg. Last updated September 2026.