Poem delivered at Dartmouth College
Dublin Core
Title
Poem delivered at Dartmouth College
Subject
Poetry
Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 1809-1894
Description
In 1838, Holmes was offered the professorship of anatomy and physiology at Dartmouth and held that position for two years before joining the faculty of Harvard. He was also asked by the New Hampshire Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa to deliver a poem at Dartmouth’s commencement in 1839. Although Holmes never intended the poem for publication—it was not, in fact, printed in its entirety until 1940—a newspaper correspondent at the time said, “The transitions from the grave to gay were very happy, and kept the audience in a state of alternate gravity and mirth. The imagery and descriptive portions of the poem—particularly those relating to rural scenes—were exceedingly beautiful and poetical, and I am confident, if it should be given to the public, that it will be pronounced one of the most beautiful metrical performances that has ever emanated from the pen of an American writer.”
Abstract
Cover of the poem delivered at Dartmouth College by Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
Creator
Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 1809-1894
Date Created
1839 July 24
Rights
The Harvard Medical Library does not hold copyright on all materials in this collection. For use information, consult Public Services at chm@hms.harvard.edu
Access Rights
Access to the original work depicted requires advance notice. Contact Public Services at chm@hms.harvard.edu for additional information
Is Part Of
Harvard Medical Library Rare Books Collection (H MS b28.1)
Format
text
Extent
1 cover
Language
English
Type
text
Identifier
DigID0002168
Provenance
Purchased for the Library of Harvard Medical School, 1943
Files
Collection
Citation
Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 1809-1894, “Poem delivered at Dartmouth College,” OnView, accessed September 17, 2024, https://collections.countway.harvard.edu/onview/index.php/items/show/6296.