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.