John Greenleaf Whittier: His Life, Genius, and Writings

"John Greenleaf Whittier: His Life, Genius, and Writings" by William Sloane Kennedy is a biographical work that paints a picture of the life, achievements, and core values of John Greenleaf Whittier, the celebrated poet and abolitionist. It highlights how his strong moral beliefs fueled his work and also examines the impact of his New England background, emphasizing the spiritual and natural elements that gave shape to his celebrated poetry. From the start, the book establishes Whittier as a man of rare kindness, yet unwavering principles, molded by the spirit of New England and devoted to justice; the work then goes into Whittier's Quaker heritage, underscoring the traits that would define both his life and his art. It introduces a poet whose creations were intimately connected to his personal experiences and convictions demonstrating how his faith and early rustic life shaped his literary path and commitment to moral causes.