Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was a towering figure in American poetry, renowned for establishing the study of modern languages in the United States and becoming the most celebrated poet of his era. An innovator in both academia and literature, Longfellow's work resonated across the globe, cementing his legacy. His life, marked by personal triumphs and tragedies, was as storied as the verses he penned.

Childhood and Education

Born on February 27, 1807, in what is now Portland, Maine, Longfellow was the second child of Stephen and Zilpah Wadsworth Longfellow, part of a well-respected Unitarian family. His early years were filled with joy and inspiration, scenes from which later colored his poem “My Lost Youth.” A precocious child, Longfellow began his formal education at three and started attending the Portland Academy at six. It was during his time here that he published his first poem, “The Battle of Lovell’s Pond,” in the Portland Gazette, albeit met with mixed reviews.

By 1821, Longfellow had passed the entrance exam for Bowdoin College. Nonetheless, he spent another year at the Portland Academy to accrue college credits before finally joining Bowdoin’s campus in 1822. During his time at Bowdoin, he was an avid reader, a member of the Peucinian Society, and published works in various periodicals, graduating fourth in his class in 1825.

As graduation loomed, Longfellow faced familial pressure to pursue law. However, fortune favored him when Bowdoin trustees offered him a professorship in modern languages, contingent upon his self-funded studies in Europe. Grateful for this opportunity, Longfellow embarked on his journey from New York on May 15, 1826.

Expanding Horizons

Upon reaching France a month later, Longfellow immersed himself in the languages and cultures of Europe, a formative experience for his future as a writer and translator. He traveled to numerous countries, including Spain, Italy, and Germany, absorbing the local lifestyles and literature.

Returning to Bowdoin in 1829, Longfellow became one of America’s pioneering modern language professors, transcending the traditional focus on Latin and Greek. With a lack of suitable teaching materials, he took to creating his own, translating and editing textbooks to engage his students with European literature. His scholarly pursuits dominated this period, although on September 14, 1831, he married Mary Potter, a bright young woman from his hometown.

Longfellow's enthusiasm for teaching at Bowdoin waned, and by 1832 he was seeking new opportunities. His break came when George Ticknor, a Harvard modern languages professor, resigned and endorsed Longfellow as his successor. Accepting Harvard's offer required further European travels to deepen his Germanic studies. Thus, Longfellow set sail once more in 1835, accompanied by his wife and friends.

Tragedy and Transformation

Their European journey was both enriching and tragic. After arranging for the British publication of his work Outre-Mer in London, they moved to Germany. In Amsterdam, Mary suffered a miscarriage and later died in Rotterdam on November 29, 1835.

Despite profound grief, Longfellow chose to continue his studies in Heidelberg. During a summer trip to the Alps in 1836, he met Frances “Fanny” Appleton, a captivating young woman from Boston. Although their relationship blossomed, Longfellow had to return to the United States in October to assume his new duties.

Professional and Personal Milestones

Now in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Longfellow began his role at Harvard in 1837, taking charge of a small but significant department. His teaching style remained dynamic, and his writings became more personal and imaginative. His novel Hyperion, published in 1839, mirrored his courtship with Appleton. Though initially rejecting his proposal, she eventually accepted in 1843, leading to their marriage and life together at Craigie House.

Longfellow’s literary...