The Poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier: A Readers' Edition

Having reached age 70, I find myself drawn back to the poems we had to learn and recite in Parochial School in the 1950's. I purchased this specifically for "Barbara Freitchie," which I enjoyed much more than I did as a ten year old, and I am finding many of Whittiers other works most satisfying. Hint, you have to speak the lines to truly experience them.

An excellent selection of Whittier's best-known poems with a brief, clarifying introduction to each one by Professor Jolliff. This edition correctly emphasizes the role Whittier's faith played in his writing and should be read by anyone interested in 19th Century American literature dealing with abolition, rural life, and religious beliefs. All of this poet's most popular works are here, including Snowbound, Ichabod!, Barbara Frietchie, The Barefoot Boy, The Last Walk in Autumn, The Old Burying Ground, Telling the Bees, Maud Muller, and In School Days. While literary historians might not place Whittier's work in the first tier of American poetry, most would agree that for generations to come, Whittier's masterpiece, Snowbound, will be found high up on any list of America's greatest poems. Professor Jolliff's "Readers' Edition" of this fine poet's work would be a very welcome addition to any home library.

This book is exactly what I wanted as a gift for my 93 year-old mother. When we would have a snowstorm here in PA, she would tell me how, in the one-room schoolhouse she attended as a child, the class would recite from memory, portions of "Snowbound" by Whittier. It is a great memory for her and she can still remember parts of it now. I was intrigued by her story, bought the book for her, and found out how important Whittier was in his day, and how much I like his work, too. It was a win, win all around. The book includes lots of his work, historical information, and expositions of the poetry to expand the reader's understanding. My mother, who started college at the age of 70!!! loves the book.

The book is well made, but the paper used is of very low quality..The editor is not really an editor. He fills nearly a quarter of the book opinionating. I got the book for Whittier's writing; let him speak for himself. If I had wanted a book on the editor's opinions, I would have ordered it.

I first became acquainted with John Greenleaf Whittier when I was in fifth grade English. I appreciate the abundance of works in this book and read it often.

For heartfelt, insightful poetry, you can't go wrong here.

I actually really can't say....was a gift for someone and I really didn't check it out much myself and haven't gotten much feedback from recipient

love his poems ~~~~~

using for reference