The Complete Poetical Works of James Russell Lowell
📘 About This Book
The present Cambridge Edition of Mr. Lowell's poems contains, substantially in the order established by the author, the poems included by him not long before his death in the definitive Riverside Edition of his writings, and in addition the small group contained in the Last Poems, collected by his literary executor, Mr. Charles Eliot Norton. - Publisher's note.
📖 Summary
The Complete Poetical Works of James Russell Lowell stands as a monumental collection representing the life's work of one of America's most celebrated nineteenth-century literary figures. Published in 1896, this comprehensive 528-page Cambridge Edition preserves the poetic legacy of Lowell substantially in the order established by the author himself shortly before his death. Readers delving into these pages will encounter the definitive selection of verses that Lowell curated for the Riverside Edition of his writings, ensuring that his artistic vision is presented just as he intended. Furthermore, the volume provides an essential addition for poetry enthusiasts by incorporating the small group of verses collected posthumously under the title Last Poems by his literary executor, Charles Eliot Norton. Spanning over five hundred pages, the collection captures the breadth of Lowell's poetic voice, moving through various phases of his intellectual and creative development. As a key figure among the Fireside Poets, Lowell utilized his craft to engage with the pressing moral, social, and political questions of his era while simultaneously exploring deeply personal themes of nature, love, and human emotion. This definitive edition acts as a literary time capsule, preserving the rhythmic and lyrical artistry of a pivotal voice in the formation of an distinctively American literary tradition. Scholars, students of nineteenth-century literature, and casual readers alike will find within this comprehensive volume a rich tapestry of thought that reflects both the romantic sensibilities of the period and the robust civic engagement of its creator. By gathering his lifetime of poetic output into a single, cohesive book, the collection allows for a seamless journey through Lowell's evolution as a thinker and an artist, cementing his place in the pantheon of classic American poets.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides a comprehensive and definitive collection of Lowell's poetry.
Organized substantially in the author's preferred order.
Includes additional posthumous works not found in standard editions.
Serves as an essential resource for students of nineteenth-century American literature.
⚠️ Cons
The vast volume of text may feel overwhelming for casual poetry readers.
Lacks modern critical annotations or contemporary analytical essays.
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
What is included in this 1896 edition of James Russell Lowell's poems? +
It contains the poems from the definitive Riverside Edition established by Lowell, plus the Last Poems collected by Charles Eliot Norton.
How many pages are in this edition? +
The book spans 528 pages.
Who edited the final group of poems in the book? +
The small group of Last Poems was collected by Lowell's literary executor, Mr. Charles Eliot Norton.
Are the poems arranged in the author's preferred order? +
Yes, they are presented substantially in the order established by Lowell himself before his death.
What genre does this book belong to? +
It belongs to the American poetry genre.
