# Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

> American poet and educator (1807–1882)

**Wikidata**: [Q152513](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152513)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Wadsworth_Longfellow)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henry-wadsworth-longfellow

## Summary
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) was an American poet and educator renowned for his lyrical verses and narrative poetry. He is best known for significant works such as the epic poem "The Song of Hiawatha" and the historical poem "Paul Revere's Ride." Longfellow also served as a professor at Harvard University and was recognized internationally with honors including the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts.

## Biography
- **Born:** February 27, 1807
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** Bowdoin College
- **Known for:** Poetry, education, translation, and notable works including "The Song of Hiawatha" and "Paul Revere's Ride"
- **Employer(s):** Harvard University
- **Field(s):** Literature, Poetry, Education, Translation

## Contributions
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow authored a vast body of literary work that has left a lasting mark on American culture. His notable contributions include:
*   **"The Song of Hiawatha"**: An epic poem that stands as one of his major literary achievements.
*   **"Paul Revere's Ride"**: A famous poem written in 1860 that commemorates the midnight ride of Paul Revere.
*   **"A Psalm of Life"**: A celebrated poem that is among his well-known works.
*   **Academic Leadership**: He contributed to the field of education as a professor at Harvard University.
*   **Translation**: He worked as a translator, facilitating the exchange of literary ideas across languages.
*   **Scientific Recognition**: The species of insect *Ablerus longfellowi* is named in association with him.

## FAQs
**What are Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's most famous poems?**
Longfellow is best known for "The Song of Hiawatha," an epic poem, and "Paul Revere's Ride," a historical poem written in 1860. He also authored "A Psalm of Life."

**Where did Henry Wadsworth Longfellow teach?**
He was a professor at Harvard University, a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

**What awards did Henry Wadsworth Longfellow receive?**
He received the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts, a civil class of the order from Prussia/Germany. He was also a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

**What was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's educational background?**
Longfellow attended Bowdoin College, a private liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine.

**Who influenced Henry Wadsworth Longfellow?**
His work was influenced by notable literary figures including Washington Irving, John Keats, and Friedrich Schiller.

## Why They Matter
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow matters as a central figure in 19th-century American literature who helped shape the nation's cultural identity through his poetry. Works like "Paul Revere's Ride" became ingrained in American historical memory, while "The Song of Hiawatha" explored indigenous legends and themes. His dual role as a poet and an educator at Harvard University allowed him to influence both the public and academic spheres. His international recognition, including the Pour le Mérite, highlights the global reach of his work. Furthermore, his legacy extends into taxonomy with the species *Ablerus longfellowi*, and his influence is noted in the works of other writers, such as Narcís Oller.

## Notable For
-   Authoring the epic poem "The Song of Hiawatha"
-   Writing the historical poem "Paul Revere's Ride" (1860)
-   Writing "A Psalm of Life"
-   Serving as a professor at Harvard University
-   Being a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
-   Receiving the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts
-   Membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society
-   Being influenced by John Keats, Washington Irving, and Friedrich Schiller
-   Having the insect species *Ablerus longfellowi* named after him
-   Occupying the roles of poet, translator, writer, and educator

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born on February 27, 1807. He pursued his higher education at Bowdoin College, a private liberal arts college located in Brunswick, Maine. This institution served as the foundation for his academic and literary career.

### Academic Career
Longfellow was deeply involved in the academic world. He held the position of professor at Harvard University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. His work as an educator placed him among the intellectual elite of his time. He was also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the honor society for the liberal arts and sciences in the United States.

### Literary Works and Poetry
Longfellow's primary occupation was that of a poet and writer. He produced a significant number of works, with "The Song of Hiawatha" being one of his most famous epic poems. In 1860, he penned "Paul Revere's Ride," a poem that would become a staple of American historical folklore. Another notable work is "A Psalm of Life." His literary output was extensive, covering various genres and themes.

### Translation and Other Roles
In addition to writing original poetry, Longfellow worked as a translator. This role highlights his engagement with literature beyond his own national borders and his command of language. His occupations are listed as poet, translator, professor, and writer, reflecting a multifaceted career in the arts and education.

### Affiliations and Honors
Longfellow was affiliated with several distinguished organizations. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an honorary society and policy research center. Internationally, he was recognized with the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts, an order established in 1842 by Prussia.

### Influences and Legacy
Longfellow's work was shaped by a lineage of literary giants. He was influenced by Washington Irving, John Keats, and Friedrich Schiller. His own legacy is preserved through his extensive bibliography and the cultural impact of his poetry. He is associated with other prominent literary figures of his era, including Charles Dickens and Narcís Oller. Even the natural world commemorates him; a species of insect, *Ablerus longfellowi*, bears his name. Longfellow passed away on March 24, 1882.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Source
5. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/1861/07/12/archives/the-death-of-mrs-longfellow.html)
6. The Fine Art Archive
7. Archivio Storico Ricordi
8. Library of the World's Best Literature
9. Find a Grave
10. Czech National Authority Database
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. CiNii Research
13. MusicBrainz
14. Internet Archive
15. National Register of Historic Places
16. SNAC
17. Internet Broadway Database
18. International Music Score Library Project
19. Discogs
20. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
21. ProDetLit
22. Open Library
23. Royal Academy of Arts
24. Project Gutenberg
25. Poetry Online database
26. Lord Byron and his Times
27. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
28. Autoritats UB
29. The LiederNet Archive
30. Répertoire International des Sources Musicales
31. Catalogue of the Library of the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas
32. Alvin
33. VcBA (identifier)
34. Trinity College Library
35. NUKAT
36. Genealogics
37. CONOR.BG
38. Korean Authority File
39. CONOR.SR
40. National Library of Portugal
41. KANTO
42. MAK
43. datos.bne.es
44. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
45. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
46. GeneaStar
47. Roglo
48. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
49. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index10.html)
50. CONOR.SI