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Delve into the life of one of America\'s most celebrated literary figures with \"Cross of Snow: A Life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow\" by Nicholas A. Basbanes. This comprehensive biography offers a fresh and insightful look at the poet whose work shaped the cultural landscape of the 19th century. Basbanes masterfully portrays Longfellow not just as a monumental wordsmith, but as a multifaceted individual who navigated profound personal tragedies while achieving unparalleled public acclaim. The book vividly brings to life the man behind iconic poems like \"Paul Revere\'s Ride\" and \"The Song of Hiawatha,\" revealing a complex and compelling figure.

About the Author Nicholas A. Basbanes

Nicholas A. Basbanes is a distinguished American author and journalist renowned for his extensive writings on books and book culture. A native of Lowell, Massachusetts, he has authored numerous critically acclaimed works of cultural history. His passion for the literary world and meticulous research are evident in \"Cross of Snow,\" where he brings his expertise to illuminate the life and times of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Cross of Snow Summary PDF

\"Cross of Snow: A Life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow\" provides an intimate and detailed account of the poet\'s journey, from his early years in Portland, Maine, to his tenure as a professor at Harvard University and his rise to international fame. The biography gives significant attention to Longfellow\'s personal life, particularly his two marriages, both of which ended in tragedy. His first wife, Mary Storer Potter, died after a miscarriage, and his second wife, Frances \"Fanny\" Appleton, perished in a fire at their Cambridge home. Basbanes explores the profound impact of these losses on Longfellow\'s work, including the poignant sonnet \"The Cross of Snow,\" written eighteen years after Fanny\'s death. The book also delves into Longfellow\'s friendships with other literary giants of his era, such as Charles Dickens, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, offering a rich tapestry of 19th-century American intellectual life. Basbanes argues for a reappraisal of Longfellow\'s legacy, countering the 20th-century academic dismissal of his work as overly simplistic. Through meticulous research, including access to previously unexamined letters and journals, Basbanes presents a nuanced and sympathetic portrait of a man who became a towering figure in American literature.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cross of Snow

What is the central theme of \"Cross of Snow\"?

The central theme of \"Cross of Snow\" is a comprehensive exploration of the life and work of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, aiming to restore his reputation and provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the beloved poems. It highlights his personal struggles, particularly the profound grief he experienced, and how these events shaped his literary output. The book also examines his significant contributions to American culture and his role as a public intellectual.
Who was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow?

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) was a highly influential American poet and educator during the 19th century. His works, including \"Paul Revere\'s Ride,\" \"The Song of Hiawatha,\" and \"Evangeline,\" were immensely popular and helped to shape the national identity. He was also a professor at Bowdoin College and later at Harvard University.
What is the significance of the title, \"Cross of Snow\"?

The title \"Cross of Snow\" is taken from a sonnet Longfellow wrote in 1879, eighteen years after the tragic death of his second wife, Fanny. In the poem, he compares the enduring grief he carries in his heart to a cross of snow on a distant mountain that never melts. This title encapsulates the profound and lasting sorrow that was a significant undercurrent in Longfellow\'s life and work.
How did Longfellow\'s second wife, Fanny, die?

Fanny Longfellow died tragically in July 1861. Her dress accidentally caught fire, possibly from a lit candle or a match, and she was severely burned. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was also badly burned while trying to extinguish the flames and was too grief-stricken and injured to attend her funeral.
What makes Nicholas A. Basbanes\' biography of Longfellow unique?

Nicholas A. Basbanes\' \"Cross of Snow\" is the first major biography of Longfellow in over fifty years. It is distinguished by its extensive use of primary sources, including letters, diaries, and journals that were not previously available to researchers. This allows for a more intimate and detailed portrayal of Longfellow\'s life and a more thorough reassessment of his literary significance.