John Greenleaf Whittier

About the book

"John Greenleaf Whittier: A Sketch of His Life, with Selected Poems" by Bliss Perry et al. is a biographical account interspersed with poetry written in the early 20th century. This volume not only chronicles the life of John Greenleaf Whittier, an influential American poet and abolitionist, but also includes selected works to illustrate key themes from his life and literary contributions, particularly his engagement with social issues and personal reflections on his upbringing. The opening of this work outlines the solitary and formative environment of Whittier's early life in rural New England, emphasizing the intimacy he had with nature, his family's Quaker beliefs, and the simplicity of his upbringing. Perry highlights Whittier's intellectual and emotional isolation, paired with an early affinity for poetry sparked by the work of Robert Burns. As Whittier's youth unfolds, we see him endure hardships while developing a rich inner life, leading to his eventual commitment to both poetry and activism, especially in the abolitionist movement, which would define much of his later work.