Classic Authors: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The year of 1861 brought more tragedy to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. His second wife, Frances, died of severe burns incurred while she was sealing a package with wax and matches. Henry also suffered serious burns while trying to save her. The pain of the burns made it impossible for Henry to shave, so he grew his famous beard. After Frances's death, a mourning Henry returned to Europe.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow received many honors and awards for his writing, including honorary degrees from Oxford and Cambridge, and invitations to meet royalty. Perhaps his greatest honor would come only after his death: he became the first American poet to be honored with a bust in Poet's Corner, Westminster Abbey.

Henry died on March 24, 1882, of peritonitis. He passed away at Craigie House, Cambridge. During his lifetime, he had published 280 poems in 27 volumes, and 87 translations of great works in seven languages. Today, snatches of his poetry live in the memories of almost every American.

For more information on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, take a look at these two Web sites: Biography by Roberto Rabe http://www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/longfello... Maine People http://www.col.k12.me.us/bhm/four/libby/...

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