Favorite Poems by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked up this collection of Longfellow’s poetry because I SHOULD know more about one of America’s all-time greatest poets. I write poetry; I love dissecting poetry; I SHOULD know more about Longfellow.
While reading, I came to know his clear and entertaining style. I came to appreciate how he can “spin yarn” (tell stories) effectively and efficiently. Whether he is writing in rhyme or in meter, he has the right word coming forth.
This collection contains one poem that is over 30 pages long. Other poems are much shorter, usually 1-2 pages in length. All these works are worth reading. The breadth of topics covered is quite impressive. Longfellow obviously had a supple and fertile mind and life. I can envy that he was able to make a life from poetry.
I am inspired to read more of his classic works. I gave this present work four stars instead of five because of what it omits. This collection contains his famous poem about Paul Revere, but misses some other classics such as The Song of Hiawatha and Evangeline. I am likewise inspired to read his poems on slavery as this is a particular interest of mine.