John Greenleaf Whittier

William Jolliff, Professor of English at George Fox University, has selected 55 of John Greenleaf Whittier's more than 500 poems with the intention of turning Quaker (and other) readers into Whittier fans. His guiding focus for this edition is readability by contemporaries. A biographical and critical introduction and the identification of themes in introductions to each section are important guides. William Jolliff's brief introductions to the poems themselves give specific historical background and interpretive help when necessary. Includes Snow-Bound, Ichabod, Telling the Bees, The Barefoot Boy, Skipper Ireson's Ride, and In the Old South.

"Personal Poems I" by John Greenleaf Whittier is an affirmative and introspective collection that offers a glimpse into the personal thoughts and emotions of the renowned 19th-century American poet and abolitionist. In this collection, readers can expect a series of poems that likely delve into Whittier's personal experiences, reflections, and sentiments. The title, "Personal Poems I," suggests the possibility of a multi-part series, each installment offering a poetic exploration of different aspects of the author's inner world. Whittier's poetic style, characterized by simplicity, sincerity, and a deep sense of moral conviction, is likely evident throughout the collection. His verses may resonate with themes such as nature, spirituality, social justice, and personal introspection, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the poet's inner life.

A beloved figure in his own era——a household name for such poems as “Barbara Frietchie” and “The Barefoot Boy”—John Greenleaf Whittier remains an emotionally honest, powerfully reflective voice. A Quaker deeply involved in the struggle against slavery (he was harassed by mobs more than once) he enlisted his poetry in the abolitionist cause with such powerful works as “The Hunters of Men,” “Song of Slaves in the Desert,” and “Ichabod!”, his mournful attack on Daniel Webster’s betrayal of the anti-slavery cause. Whittier’s narrative gift is evident in such perennially popular poems as “Skipper Ireson’s Ride” and the Civil War legend “Barbara Frietchie,” while in his masterpiece “Snow-Bound” he created a vivid, flavorful portrait of the country life he knew as a child in New England. “His diction is easy, his detail rich and unassuming, his emotion deep,” writes editor Brenda Wineapple. “And the shale of his New England landscape reaches outward, promising not relief from pain but a glimpse of a better, larger world.” About the American Poets Project Elegantly designed in compact editions, printed on acid-free paper, and textually authoritative, the American Poets Project makes available the full range of the American poetic accomplishment, selected and introduced by today’s most discerning poets and critics.