Early American Poets

About the Book

America did not declare independence in its poetry as quickly or as dramatically as in politics. It took time for the new nation to free itself from the many and widely contrasting traditions, customs, codes, and cultures it had inherited, and expressed itself through scores of imitators before it found its own characteristic way of thinking, reacting, and writing.

Here is the poetry of early America, revealing the spirit, the scenes, and the turbulence of the period, and setting forth the works of over forty accomplished poets, many of whom are forgotten to all but the literary historian. This collection in devoted to the expanding spirit as well as the formative genius of America.

About the Author

LOUIS UNTERMEYER

…was called by the late Amy Lowell, “the most versatile genius in America.” His record of achievement in the field of poetry, parody and criticism are almost without parallel. For an extended period he was America’s most widely read poet abroad, and his collections and anthologies have sold hundreds of thousands. At home, he is generally recognized as one of the brilliant poets of his generation.