James Russell LowellJames Russell Lowell (1819-1891) was an American poet, critic, essayist, and diplomat. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard in 1838, where he later taught as a professor of languages and literature. Lowell was a foundin member of the literary magazine The Atlantic Monthly and served as its first editor from 1857 to 1861. He was also a prominent abolitionist and wrote several political poems, including "The Present Crisis" and "Commemoration Ode," which addressed the issue of slavery and the Civil War. In addition to his literary pursuits, Lowell served as a diplomat, representing the United States in Spain and Great Britain. He was appointed Minister to Spain in 1877 and Minister to Great Britain in 1880. Lowell's poetry was marked by his use of wit, satire, and social commentary, as well as his mastery of various poetic forms, including the sonnet and the ballad. His notable works include "The Biglow Papers," "A Fable for Critics," and "The Vision of Sir Launfal." Lowell's legacy in American literature and culture is significant. He helped to establish American literary criticism as a serious field of study, and his poetry continues to be celebrated for its humor, social critique, and technical skill. Read More Read Less