1. William Cullen Bryant 1794 - 1878

2. Relevant Landscapes Thanatopsis Kindred Spirits

3.  "The father of American poetry"  First American to write a body of poetry that could stand up to European poets  Born in Cummington, Massachusetts  Was writing poetry at age 9; labeled a prodigy  Worked as a lawyer for 10 years

4.  Achieved literary success with the publication of "Thanatopsis"  Moved to New York City  Became an editor and critic (in addition to being a poet)  Was editor of the New York's Evening Post for almost 50 years  In his later years he worked on translations of Homer's Odyssey and Iliad

5.  He believed that the poet was a teacher of highest moral lessons  His main theme is nature and its effect on people

6.  Influential in politics and religion  Supported freedom of speech, social reforms, and the abolition movement  A founder of the Republican party  Was a millionaire when he died