LOWELL, James Russell [1819-1891] -- American author, poet, diplomat

He was born in Cambridge, and was graduated from Harvard university in 1839, where he succeeded Longfellow as professor of belles-lettres in 1855. He was one of the founders of The Atlantic Monthly, editing that periodical from the start in 1857 until 1862, and co-editor of The North American Review during 1863–72. In 1877 he was appointed minister to Spain, and in 1878 transferred to England, where he remained as minister until 1885. His poetical works are: A Year's Life; Poems; The Vision of Sir Launfal; A Fable for Critics; The Biglow Papers; Poems; The Commemoration Ode; The Biglow Papers, second series; Under the Willows, and Other Poems; Three Memorial Poems; Heartsease and Rue; and Last Poems. In prose his writing comprises Conversations with Some of the Old Poets; Life of Keats; Fireside Travels; The President's Policy; Among My Books; My Study Windows; Among My Books, second series; Democracy, and Other Addresses; Political Essays; Latest Literary Essays and Addresses; The Old English Dramatists; and Letters, edited by C. E. Norton. He died Aug. 12, 1891.