A Discourse on the Life, Character and Writings of Gulian Crommelin Verplanck Delivered before the New-York Historical Society, May 17th, 1870

A Discourse on the Life, Character and Writings of Gulian Crommelin Verplanck, by William Cullen Bryant, is a biographical sketch that explores the life, character, and writings of Gulian Crommelin Verplanck, a prominent figure in New York's literary and political scene. The book provides a detailed account of Verplanck's life, from his birth in 1786 to his death in 1870, highlighting his education, career, and personal relationships. Verplanck was a man of many talents, serving as a lawyer, politician, and writer, and Bryant's discourse sheds light on his achievements and contributions to American literature and society. Through Bryant's narrative, readers gain insight into Verplanck's family background, his early interests in literature and politics, and his rise to prominence in New York's intellectual circles. The book also touches on Verplanck's personal struggles, including the loss of his young wife and his later years of solitude. Throughout the discourse, Bryant weaves together a rich tapestry of historical context, anecdotes, and personal reflections, offering a nuanced portrait of Verplanck's life and legacy.