The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes

by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., Eleanor M. Tilton

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

Genres: Poetry

457 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1892

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Kevin Albrecht]

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

[Illiterate]

Holmes’ wit pokes fun at Puritans, romantics, pretty much everyone. Unfortunately it is marred by a lofty patrician condescension.

[Elizabeth]

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!

[behsforensics]

Cutting is for A Definition and A Familiar
Letter
By Peter Nicholson and Oliver Wendell
Holmes