Born in 1819 and died in 1891. An avid poetic spokesman for various reforms in the nineteenth century. Destroyed Thoreau's reputation with an essay in 1865. An astute critic. Wrote A Fable for Critics and The Biglow Papers.
James Russell Lowell was an American Romantic poet, critic, editor, and diplomat. He is associated with the Fireside Poets, a group of New England writers who were among the first American poets that rivaled the popularity of British poets. These writers usually used conventional forms and meters in their poetry, making them suitable for families entertaining at their fireside