James Russell Lowell

Birth: 1819-02-22 , Cambridge

Death: 1891-08-12 , Cambridge

James Russell Lowell was an American poet, critic, editor, and diplomat. He is remembered for his satirical and patriotic poetry, as well as for his significant contributions to literary criticism and abolitionist activism.

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Solitude is as needful to the imagination as society is wholesome for the character.

Not failure, but low aim, is crime.

There comes Poe with his raven like Barnaby

When I was a beggarly boy, And lived in a cellar damp, I had not a friend nor a toy, But I had Aladdin’s lamp.

No, never say nothin’ without you’re compelled tu, An’ then don’t say nothin’ thet you can be held tu.

It’s ’most enough to make a deacon swear.

Ef you want peace, the thing you’ve gut tu du Is jes’ to show you’re up to fightin’, tu.

I don’t believe in princerple, But oh I du in interest.

My gran’ther’s rule was safer ’n ’tis to crow: Don’t never prophesy—onless ye know.

Ez fer war, I call it murder— There you hev it plain an’ flat; I don’t want to go no furder Than my Testyment fer that.

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Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lowell studied at Harvard University. His poetry, such as "A Fable for Critics" and "The Biglow Papers," is known for its humor, satire, and social and political commentary. He was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery and actively participated in the movement. Lowell also had a career as editor of "The Atlantic Monthly" magazine and as a professor of modern literature at Harvard. He later served as a diplomat, acting as minister to the kingdoms of Spain and Great Britain. His work reflects a deep American patriotism and a commitment to democratic ideals.