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

http://stage.collections.countway.harvard.edu/onview/file_upload/0002168_dref.jpg

Citation

Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 1809-1894, “Poem delivered at Dartmouth College,” OnView, accessed March 28, 2024, https://collections.countway.harvard.edu/onview/items/show/6296.