February 27: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
On this date in 1807, the American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, was born.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Banner
Use this banner on social media to share our collection of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poetry.
An April Day
The poet celebrates spring, as nature recovers from the harshness of winter. Recording from the Lit2Go audiobook website. Duration: 1 minute 47 seconds. Reading level: 8.0. Word count: 209. Also available as a PDF.
The Wreck of the Hesperus
In this poem, a proud seaman refuses to heed warnings of a storm. As the weather worsens, he ties his daughter to the mast for safety, but soon the father and crew are killed in the icy storm. The ship then wrecks on Norman’s Woe, killing the daughter as well. Recording from the Lit2Go audiobook website. Duration: 4 minutes. Reading level: 8.0. Word count: 741. Also available as a PDF.
Longfellow Portrait
Portrait of Longfellow from the ClipArt ETC website.
Longfellow Portrait
Illustration of the poet from the ClipArt ETC website.
Longfellow Portrait
Portrait of Longfellow from the ClipArt ETC website.
Longfellow's Birthplace
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s birthplace in Portland, Maine. from the ClipArt ETC website. At the time, the area was still a part of Massachusetts.
The Riedesel House
The Riedesel House in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Longfellow’s poem, “The Open Window,” refers to this mansion. Illustration from the ClipArt ETC website.
King Robert of Sicily
In Longfellow’s poem, an angel took King Robert‘s place and made Robert the royal jester until he admitted he deserved it. Illustration from the ClipArt ETC website.