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The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes

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Brings together Holmes' poems dealing with the medical profession, the virtues of distinguished colleagues, college days, and all facets of human society

457 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1892

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About the author

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

1,399 books98 followers
American physician Oliver Wendell Holmes, Senior, a professor of anatomy and physiology at Harvard from 1847 to 1882 and father of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Junior, wrote humorous conversational pieces, including The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table (1858).

This professional nevertheless achieved fame, regard, and knowledge among the best poets of the 19th century. Holmes nevertheless wrote numerous medical treatises, essays, novels, memoirs, and table-talk books.

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Kevin Albrecht.
248 reviews23 followers
Want to read
March 13, 2009
About the author:
- Coined the word 'anasthesia'
- Actively spoke out against homeopathy
- Early proponent of the germ theory of disease
- Father of famous Supreme Court Justice
Profile Image for Illiterate.
2,821 reviews57 followers
June 7, 2019
Holmes’ wit pokes fun at Puritans, romantics, pretty much everyone. Unfortunately it is marred by a lofty patrician condescension.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
6,222 reviews115 followers
July 26, 2025
The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes by Oliver Wendell Holmes – This was my current poetry collection. OWH’s political poetry seemed very appropriate for Independence Day. And I think his understanding of the tension leading up to the Civil War and the reconstruction of the nation afterwards is comforting to me. The current atmosphere needs Emerson’s poets to step forward more than ever, and I think OWH would approve of loving country while holding it accountable. The fact that our styles are similar at times also gives me a soft spot for this American icon of the late 19th century! Happy Reading!
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