1854

Retirement from Harvard

Poet involved

What happened

In 1854, after years of teaching at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow resigned from his professorship. This decision allowed him to devote himself fully to writing, marking a significant transition in his career. Longfellow's departure from academia opened the door for him to produce some of his most celebrated works, solidifying his status as a leading figure in American literature.

Literary impact

Freedom from academic duties allowed Longfellow to produce major works in his mature style, focusing on epic narratives and translations. It marked his transition to America's first professional poet supported by sales, enhancing his independence and output. This period solidified his legacy as a beloved national voice.

Source: Wikipedia

Poets alive in 1854

161 poets

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