30 Interesting Facts about James Russell Lowell

James Russell Lowell was an American poet, critic, editor, and diplomat, born on February 22, 1819, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was a prominent figure in the American literary scene of the mid-19th century and was widely recognized for his contributions to American letters.

Lowell’s literary career began in the 1840s when he contributed poems and essays to various magazines and journals. In 1848, he published his first collection of poems, “A Year’s Life,” which was well received by critics and established him as a major voice in American poetry. In addition to his work as a poet, Lowell was also a prolific essayist and literary critic. He was a co-founder of The Atlantic Monthly, a prominent literary magazine that published some of the most important writers of the time.

Lowell’s political views were also an important part of his identity. He was a staunch abolitionist and wrote many essays and speeches in support of the anti-slavery movement. In 1855, he was appointed as the first editor of The Atlantic Monthly, where he continued to promote the cause of abolition.

Later in life, Lowell served as the United States Ambassador to Spain and to the Court of St. James’s in England. He died on August 12, 1891, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important figures in American letters and politics of the 19th century.

James Russell Lowell

James Russell Lowell

What about James Russell Lowell interesting facts? Here are 30 interesting facts about James Russell Lowell.

  1. James Russell Lowell was born on February 22, 1819, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
  2. His parents were Reverend Charles Lowell and Harriet Spence.
  3. Lowell’s family was prominent in Boston society and included several famous writers and politicians.
  4. Lowell was educated at Harvard College, where he developed a love for literature and poetry.
  5. In 1843, Lowell published his first collection of poems, “A Year’s Life,” which received critical acclaim.
  6. Lowell co-founded and served as editor of The Pioneer, a literary magazine that published works by some of the most important writers of the time.
  7. In 1850, Lowell published his second collection of poems, “The Vision of Sir Launfal,” which is considered one of his most important works.
  8. Lowell was a staunch abolitionist and wrote many essays and speeches in support of the anti-slavery movement.
  9. He was a founding member of the Free Soil Party, which was dedicated to ending slavery in the United States.
  10. In 1855, Lowell was appointed as the first editor of The Atlantic Monthly, where he continued to promote the cause of abolition.
  11. Lowell was a close friend of fellow writer and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson.
  12. Lowell was married twice, first to Maria White in 1844, and then to Frances Dunlap in 1857.
  13. Both of Lowell’s wives were writers and abolitionists.
  14. Lowell’s daughter, Mabel, was a noted artist and designer.
  15. Lowell was a professor of modern languages and literature at Harvard College from 1855 to 1876.
  16. Lowell served as the United States Ambassador to Spain from 1877 to 1880.
  17. He later served as the United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s in England from 1880 to 1885.
  18. Lowell was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
  19. He was also a member of the Royal Society of Literature in England.
  20. Lowell’s works were heavily influenced by the Romantic poets, especially William Wordsworth.
  21. He was also influenced by the Transcendentalist movement and the works of Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
  22. Lowell’s poem “The First Snowfall” is considered one of his most popular and beloved works.
  23. He was also known for his satirical works, such as “The Biglow Papers,” which satirized American politics and society.
  24. Lowell was a close friend of President Abraham Lincoln and was offered the post of United States Minister to Russia by Lincoln in 1861, but he declined.
  25. Lowell suffered from poor health for much of his life and had a nervous breakdown in the 1860s.
  26. He was also afflicted with severe bouts of depression throughout his life.
  27. Lowell was a devout Unitarian and wrote several essays on religious topics.
  28. He was also interested in the occult and wrote several essays on spiritualism and the supernatural.
  29. Lowell died on August 12, 1891, at the age of 72, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
  30. Lowell’s legacy as one of the most important writers and thinkers of the 19th century continues to be celebrated today.

James Russell Lowell was a prolific American poet, critic, editor, and diplomat whose contributions to American letters and politics have had a lasting impact. His poetry was deeply influenced by the Romantic poets and the Transcendentalist movement, and he was a passionate abolitionist who wrote extensively on the subject of slavery. Lowell’s works were also known for their satire and wit, and he was a prominent literary figure of his time, co-founding The Pioneer and serving as the first editor of The Atlantic Monthly. Later in life, Lowell served as a diplomat, representing the United States in Spain and England. His legacy as one of the most important writers and thinkers of the 19th century continues to be celebrated today.