The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 05 / Poems of the Class of '29 (1851-1889)

Name: The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 05 / Poems of the Class of '29 (1851-1889)
Author: Oliver Wendell Holmes

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

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American Literature Poetry

About This Book

A collection of short occasional poems and lyrics that recall college camaraderie, class reunions, and the passage of time. The pieces move between playful campus songs and gentle satire, formal tributes and elegiac meditations on aging, memory, and friendship. Voices range from convivial to pensive, employing ballad, lyric, and epigrammatic forms to celebrate shared rituals, toasts, and lost youth while acknowledging mortality and the consolations of fellowship. Many poems address classmates directly, blend humor with tenderness, and alternate lively social scenes with reflective, mournful stanzas.

About the Author

Oliver Wendell Holmes

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was an American physician, poet, and essayist, known for his contributions to literature and his role in the development of American thought in the 19th century. He was a prominent figure in the literary circles of his time and is best remembered for his work "A Mortal Antipathy," which explores themes of love and social interaction through a unique narrative style. Holmes was also a key member of the Fireside Poets, a group that included notable contemporaries such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and James Russell Lowell. His essays, particularly those in "Medical Essays, 1842-1882," reflect his keen observations on society and culture, showcasing his wit and intellect.