Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. was a multifaceted American writer, physician, and poet, born on August 29, 1809, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was a key figure in the literary scene of the 19th century, known for his wit and keen observations of society. Holmes was also a prominent member of the Fireside Poets, a group that included notable contemporaries such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and James Russell Lowell. His works often reflected his love for nature and his contemplative view of life, drawing readers into his world through sharp imagery and thoughtful prose.

In addition to his poetry, Holmes made significant contributions to the fields of medicine and literature. His essays and novels—like "The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table"—combine personal anecdotes with philosophical musings, inviting readers to ponder deeper truths about the human experience. As you explore his works in this app, you’ll find a delightful blend of humor, insight, and warmth that continues to resonate today. Take a moment to dive into the writings of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., and discover the timeless wisdom he has to offer.

My Hunt After 'The Captain'

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Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.



Holmes describes his frantic search through Civil War torn landscapes for his wounded son, the future Supreme Court Justice. Originally publ…

The One-Hoss Shay

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Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.



This is a small collection of whimsical poems by the American physician and author Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. "The Deacon's Masterpiec…

Elsie Venner

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Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.



Bernard Langdon is close to earning his degree in medicine when his family finds itself in financial difficulties, forcing Langdon to interr…

Departed Days

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Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.



LibriVox volunteers bring you 11 recordings of Departerd Days by Oliver Wendell Holmes. This was the Weekly Poetry project for May 8, 2011.O…

To a Blank Sheet of Paper

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Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.



Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was an American physician, poet, and polymath based in Boston. A member of the Fireside Poets, he was acclaimed by…

The Ballad of the Oysterman

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Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.



from THE POETICAL WORKS OF OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES:TO MY READERSNAY, blame me not; I might have sparedYour patience many a trivial verse,Yet t…

The Chambered Nautilus

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Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.



LibriVox volunteers bring you 13 recordings of The Chambered Nautilus by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.This was the Fortnightly Poetry project f…

The Island Hunting-Song

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Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.



Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was an American physician, poet, and polymath based in Boston. A member of the Fireside Poets, he was acclaimed b…