Fugitive Poetry (ePub)

Nathaniel Parker Willis (January 20, 1806 - January 20, 1867) was an American author, poet, and editor who played a significant role in the American literary scene of the 19th century. Born in Portland, Maine, Willis cultivated a distinguished career punctuated by his charm and social prowess. He graduated from Yale in 1827, where his literary inclinations flourished. Shortly thereafter, Willis ventured into journalism and became a co-founder of the 'American Monthly Magazine'. He gained prominence with his prose and poetry, characterized by genteel sentimentality and a focus on the domestic sphere, qualities that mirrored the tastes of the emerging middle class of his era. Willis's 'Fugitive Poetry' is a reflection of this stylistic approach, with verses that convey both the ephemeral nature of beauty and the transcendent aspects of the human experience. His work encompasses not just poetry but also travel writings and editorial pieces, which were published in various periodicals such as 'The Home Journal', co-founded by Willis and George P. Morris. His writings earned him both acclaim and criticism, the latter often centered on his perceived concern with society's upper crust and the fashionable life. Despite this, Willis remains an integral figure in the tapestry of American letters, bridging the romantic and emerging realist trends of his time. His work provides rich insights into the cultural and social milieu of antebellum America, offering a window into the period's values, aspirations, and conventions.