of the Atlantic, and whose efforts in behalf of the working people of his own country have endeared him to multitudes. Born in England in 1819; died in 1875.

Knowles, James Sheridan. - This celebrated dramatist, author of "William Tell," "The Hunchback," "The Wife," "Virginius," etc., was of Irish parentage. Born in 1794, and died in 1862.

Knox, William.-The poem beginning with the line, "O, why should the spirit of mortal be proud?" has become celebrated both from its inherent merit and the fact that it was the favorite of President Lincoln, who never seemed to weary of its stately yet easy rhythm. The author was born at Firth, Scotland, 1789. An occasional writer before the age of thirty, he afterward devoted himself entirely to literary pursuits, but unfortunately became dissipated, shattered his brilliant powers, and died in 1825.

Lamb, Charles-Quaint, witty, popular socially, highly appreciated for his literary achievements, the rank of Charles Lamb in the world of letters is deservedly high, and his fame appears to be permanent. He was reared in humble life, and for many years was a clerk in the East India House, London, retiring when fifty years old on a pension granted by the board of directors. His "Essays on Elia" were originally published in the London Magazine. He never married, but lived with a maiden sister to whom he was devotedly attached. Born in the Temple, London, 1775; died in 1834, and buried in Edmonton, near London. Landon, Letitia Elizabeth.-An English poetess, born in 1802; died in 1838.

Landor, Walter Savage.-Born in England,, 1775; died in 1864. First became known as the author of "Count Julian," which was followed by a poem called "Gebir." His most celebrated work is "Imaginary Conversations of Literary Men and Statesmen." His writings are admired for their originality and perfection of style.

Lanier, Sidney.-An author of rare accomplishments, who left a treatise upon "The Science of English Verse," and one upon "The Development of the English Novel," also several volumes of writings adapted to the young. He published a number of poems, the excellence of which is unquestioned. His early death was much lamented. Born in Georgia, 1842; died in 1881.

Larcom, Lucy.—An American factory girl, teacher and authoress of wide repute; born at Lowell, Mass., 1826.

Lawrence, Jonathan, Jr.-A poet of cultivated taste, born in New York in 1807; died in 1833.

Lewis, Matthew Gregory. - Wrote the wailknown "Alonzo the Brave and the Fair Imogene," and "The Maniac." Born in England 1775; died in 1818.

Leyden, John.-A Scottish poet, also eminent as an Orientalist and Antiquarian. He was born in Den. holm Scotland, 1775; died at Java, 1811, and during his comparatively short life was a voluminous writer.

Lincoln, Abraham.-Twice elected President of the United States; born in Hardin County, Kentucky, Feb. 12. 1809; assassinated April 14, 1865. As a writer Mr. Lincoln was distinguished for clear statement, a comprehensive grasp of his subject, a plain, direct style, and the expression of great truths in an epigrammatic form. His address at Gettysburg is one of the gems of American literature.

Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth.-Our gifted poet whose works lend an unrivaled charm to American literature, gained a world-wide distinction, and is equally honored at home and abroad. Wherever the English language is the common tongue, Longfellow is read and admired. Surpassed only by Moore in ease and elegance of rhythm, some of his productions have so touched the popular heart that they have become familiar in almost every household. His style is pure and simple, his thought is clear and transparent, while there is an elevation of sentiment which captivates the most cultivated readers. The career of Longfellow began in early life, and was well sustained for a long period of time. He was born in Maine, 1807, was educated at Bowdoin Collega, was made Professor of Modern Languages in that institution when he was but nineteen years old, resided a considerable part of his life at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and died in 1882. Publishers, Houghton, Mifflin & Co.

Lovelace, Richard.-Born in England in 1618, and died in 1658. He was a royalist in politics, and after enduring imprisonment and many sufferings in the cause of his king, spent his last days in poverty. Among his poems is one entitled "To Althea from Prison."

Lover, Samuel.-Poet, artist, musician, novelist and dramatist. Many of his ballads, some of them of a humorous character, were great favorites. Lover was born in Ireland in 1797, and died in 1868.

Lowell, James Russell.-Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1819. By his volumes of poems and contributions to periodical literature, he has gained distinction. He was editor of the Atlantic Monthly from 1857 to 1862; editor of the North American Review from 1863 to 1872; published “Under the Willows and Other Poems" in 1869; and a volume of essays in 1870. In 1879 he became United States Minister to the

Court of St. James.

Some of his writings are enlivened by a broad humor, and have met with a high degree of popular favor.

Lowell, Robert T. S.-Wrote "The Relief of Lucknow." Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1816. His novel "The New Priest," is said to be the most perfect specimen of pure Saxon of the present century.

Lyte, Henry Francis.-Widely known as the author of the beautiful hymn," "Abide With Me;" a Scottish poet and divine, born in 1793; died in 1847. The above hymn receives additional interest from having been written during the last hours of his life.

Lytton, Edward Bulwer, Lord.-Novelist and dramatist, born in Englaud in 1805, died in 1873. His dramas "Richelieu," "Money," and "Lady of Lyons," have been received with marked favor, and his works of fiction have met with that appreciation always accorded to a high order of talent, combined with painstaking labor. He has been classed with Dickens, and other novelists of the foremost rank.

Lytton, Robert Bulwer (Owen Meredith.)— Was the only son of Lord Lytton. His poem entitled "Lucile," has given him high distinction. Born in 1831, and was a Viceroy of India from 1876 to 1880.

Macaulay, Thomas Babington, Lord.-Famous for his historical, poetical and miscellaneous works, a fine master of English diction, member of Parliament and the House of Peers, whose productions hold high rank in English classics. Born in 1808; died in 1859, and buried in Westminster Abbey.

MacCarthy, Dennis Florence.-An Irish poet, born in 1817. His writings exhibit the strong national feeling so characteristic of his countrymen.

Macdonald, George.-Novelist and poet. His writings are moral in tone, and show the marks of the scholar and man of culture. Born in England in 1825.

Mace, Frances Laughton.—An American poetess who has made popular contributions, especially of a religious character, to current periodicals. Born in Maine in 1836.

Macleod, Norman.-An eminent Scottish divine, author, and chaplain to Queen Victoria, was born in Argyleshire, 1812. His name is associated with those popular periodicals, the Edinburgh Christian Magazine and Good Works. He died at Glasgow, 1872.

Macpherson, James.-Born in Scotland 1738. He obtained great notoriety in the literary world on account of his discovery of famous manuscripts. He published the "Poems of Ossian," and occasioned thereby great controversy. Died in 1796, and buried, at his own request and expense, in Westminster Abbey.

Marvell, Andrew.-An English author of works in both prose and poetry. Born in 1620; died in 1678.

Massey, Gerald.--An English poet whose hard lot in boyhood, as a factory operative, undoubtedly qualified him for writing poems characterized by deep feeling and a tender sympathy with humble life. Born in 1828.

Maturin, Charles Robert.-Born in England in 1782; died in 1824. As a dramatist he possessed remarkable power.

McLellan, Isaac.-For many years a prominent merchant of Boston, Massachusetts, yet gracing American literature with occasional poems of more than ordinary merit. Born at Portland, Maine, 1806, and graduated at Powdoin College, 1826. His later residence was in New York.

Meagher, Thomas Francis.-An Irish patriot, sentenced to death during the sedition in Ireland in 1848, but was transported to Tasmania, whence he escaped to New York in 1852, and on the outbreak of the civil war became commander of the Irish brigade. Born in 1823; drowned in Missouri in 1867.

Meek, Alexander Beaufort.-A native of Columbia, South Carolina, where he was born in 1814. His most celebrated poem is "Balaklava." Died in Georgia in 1865.

Miller, Joaquin.-An American poet and writer of fictiou. His early life was spent on our Western frontiers, and the scenes of many of his writings are laid in the West. He is gifted with a high order of imagination. Born in Indiana in 1841.

Millman, Henry Hart.-An English poet and ecclesiastical historian. Born in London 1791. His sacred lyrics have been widely read and appreciated. Died in 1868.

Milton, John.—The name of Milton ranks among the greatest in English literature. His prose works gained wide celebrity, but he is chiefly distinguished for his marvelous creation, "Paradise Lost." His blindness seemed only to quicken his inward vision. His poetical works brought little pecuniary profit, the manuscript of "Paradise Lost" having been sold for twenty-five dol. lars. Milton's conceptions were of the loftiest character, and his style evinces the strength and stateliness peculiar to the literature of his age. Born in London 1608; died in 1674.

Milnes, Richard Monckton. - Poetic beauties from the pen of this author adorn these pages. Milnes was born in Yorkshire, England, June 19, 1809.

Montgomery, James.- A Scotch poet, distin

guished for his religious poems, many of which have found their way into the hymnology of all Christian denominations. Born in Ayrshire 1771; died in 1854.

Moore, Edward.-An English poet, born in 1712; died in 1757.

Moore, Thomas.-This celebrated Irish poet, distinguished for true genius, easy versification, and charming fancy, was born in 1799, and died in 1852. His Irish melodies have a universal popularity. Moore was a great social favorite, enjoying the friendship of Byron and other celebrities. "Lalla Rookh" is his most elaborate work, and few poems have ever been so pecuniarily profitable.

More, Hannah-One of England's most gifted women. Her first ambition was to shine as a poetess; next she aspired to the stage, and later developed a highly religious character, which appeared in her wellknown practical writings. Born in 1745; died in 1833. Morris, George P.-Author of "Woodman, Spare That Tree," "My Mother's Bible," etc., productions evincing fine poetic talent; born in Pennsylvania 1802; died in 1864.

Motherwell, William-A Scottish poet and antiquary; author of "Jeannie Morrison," and other popular ballads. Was born in Glasgow 1797, and died in 1835.

Motley, John Lothrop.-The distinguished historian, whose scholarly works have given him a high rank in American literature, was born at Dorchester, Massachusetts, 1814. His first work of importance, "The Rise of the Dutch Republic," was published in 1856. He died in 1877.

Moultrie, John.-An English poet who first became known through his published writings in 1830.

Mulock, Dinah Maria.-This estimable lady, the writer of many novels, tales and sketches, was the daughter of a clergyman, and was born in England, in 1825. In 1865 she married Mr. George Lillie Craik. Her "Buried To-day" (p. 243) is sad, but beautiful.

Nicoll, Robert.-A Scottish poet, born in 1814; died in 1837.

Noel, Thomas.-Author of "The Pauper's Diive," and other "Rhymes and Roundelays," which were published in England in 1841.

1829; was wounded in the American civil war, and died in Virginia 1862.

O'Hara, Theodore.-A Kentuckian, who achieved a lasting fame by his "Bivouac of the Dead," a poem composed on the occasion of the interment at Frankford of the Kentucky soldiers who fell in the battle of Buena Vista. He was born in 1820, and died in 1867.

Osgood, Frances Sargent.-Published "A Wreath of Wild Flowers from New England," and other volumes of poems. Born at Boston, Massachusetts, 1812; died in 1850.

Osgood, Kate Putnam.-Born at Fryeburg, Maine, 1843. She is the author of several fine pastoral poems.

Paine, Robert Treat.-Son of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, 1773, and graduated with high honors at Harvard College in 1792. For a time he engaged in literary pursuits, attracting wide attention by 1802, and relapsing into irregular habits, he died in his writings, and after being admitted to the bar in 1811. Several of his poems on "Liberty" show traces of a masterly hand.

Palmer, William Pitt.-Author of "The Smack in School," was a native of Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and born in 1805.

Pardoe, Julia.-An English writer, distinguished for her works of fiction and historical sketches. She was born in 1806, and died in 1862.

Patmore, Coventry.-An English poet, whose verses have found many appreciative readers. Born in 1823.

Payne, John Howard.—Author of "Home, Sweet Home," which was written while he was United States Consul at Tunis, where he died in 1852. He was born in New York in 1792, and in early life was an actor in American cities and in London. His remains now repose at Washington, D. C., where a splendid monument, the gift of Mr. Corcoran, the banker, has been erected to the memory of the author of our sweetest American song.

Peale, Rembrandt.-A noted painter, and author of some celebrity, born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1778; died in 1860.

fine literary taste, was born in Connecticut 1795, and died in Wisconsin in 1857.

Perry, Nora.-Born in Rhode Island, a poetical authoress whose songs have gained celebrity.

Phelps, Elizabeth Stuart.-Miss Phelps published

her first and withal most popular work, "Gates Ajar," in 1869, and from that time has been prominent as a writer of fiction and poetry. Her conceptions are original, the intellectual quality of her works is pronounced, and her career has been highly successful. She was born in Massachusetts in 1844.

Pierpont, John,-Unitarian divine and poet, prominent in the great reforms of the present century, and author of several excellent hymns, and more elaborate poems. He was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1785, and died in 1866.

Pinkney, Edward Coate.-The son of William Pinkney of Maryland, born in London while his father was minister to the Court of St. James, 1802. His writings were few, yet meritorious. Died in 1828.

Pitt, William.—An amusing writer, author of "The Sailor's Consolation;" died at Malta 1840.

Poe, Edgar Allan.—An American poet whose most celebrated poem, "The Raven," holds first rank in our poetical literature. Poe's genius is universally acknowledged. His writings bear in every line the stamp of originality, his conceptions are unique, and his style of versification is peculiarly his own. He was of nervous temperament, unfortunate in some of his habits, the victim of adversity, and his life has been the subject of much criticism, while his works have been universally admired. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, 1809; died in 1849.

Pollock, Robert.-Celebrated for his poem, "The Course of Time." He was born in Renfrew, Scotland, in 1799; licensed to preach in 1827, the year that gave birth to his poem, and in which he died.

Priest, Nancy Amelia Woodbury.-Few poems have ever touched the heart as 'Over the River" has, and few have ever been so phenomenally popular. The authoress was born at Hinsdale, New Hampshire, in 1837. "Over the River" was published in the Springfield Republican in August, 1857, and appears to be the only production, with one exception, by which the writer is known, although confessedly possessed of the highest order of talent. Died in 1870.

Pringle, Thomas.-A Scotch poet, born in 1789, died in 1834.

Pryor, Matthew.-A poet of eminence in his day, born in England in 1664, and died in 1721.

Procter, Bryan Waller (Barry Cornwall.)-A popular ballad writer, whose effusions met with decided favor when published, and possess the charm which assures enduring fame. Procter was born in England in 1790, was a barrister-at-law by profession, and died in 1864.

Procter, Adelaide Anne-Was born in London, October 30th, 1825, and was the daughter of Bryan Waller Procter, best known as Barry Cornwall. She showed decided literary ability when quite young, and under the nom de plume of Mary Berwick, wrote for Dickens' "Household Words." She published several volumes of poems, all of which were very well received. Charles Dickens was her special friend and admirer. She died in London, February 2d, 1864.

Father Prout (Francis Mahoney)—Who is known in literature chiefly as Father Prout, was born in Ireland about 1805. He took orders in the Catholic Church, but abandoned them for literary pursuits. In "Fraser's Magazine" he published an amusing series of articles, collected finally as the "Reliques of Father Prout." He did much as a newspaper correspondent, but finally retired to a monastery, and died May 19th, 1866. His "Bells of Shandon" (p. 573), is a genuine gem.

Ramsay, Allen.-One of the minor Scottish poets. Born in 1685; died in 1758.

Read, Thomas Buchanan.-The lyric entitled "Sheridan's Ride," commemorating one of the exploits of the great cavalry General, has had a more general reading than anything of the kind ever published in this country. The author excelled in this style of poetry. His genius is unquestioned. The poem entitled "The Closing Scene," is said by the Westminster Review to be the finest written in the present generation. Mr. Read was born at Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1822, and died in 1872. The J. B. Lippincott Company of Philadelphia are the publishers of his works.

Redden, Laura C. (Howard Glyndon).—Born in Maryland in 1840; lost hearing at the age of twelve; has contributed some excellent articles to the periodical press.

Richter, Jean Paul.-A German humorist and sentimentalist, who ranks high in the literature of his native land. Many of his writings have been translated, and have found ardent admirers in other countries. There was a singular lack of appreciation of "Jean Paul" for many years; slowly his works, grotesque, humorous, stamped with undoubted genius, have made their way to popular favor. Born in Bavaria in 1763; died in 1825.

Rogers, Samuel.--Author of "The Pleasures of Memory," and a poem on "Italy." He was a banker in London, of high social position, and eminent in literary circles. Born in London in 1763; died in 1855.

Rossetti, Dante Gabriel.-A painter and poet, born in England in 1828; died in 1882.

Ruskin, John.—The distinguished prose author and critic, whose masterly works have made a place for themselves in the literature of our day, was born in London, England, in 1819. His writings on art, including "Modern Painters," "The Seven Lamps of Architecture," and "Stones of Venice," are brilliant in thought and exceedingly forcible in style. Elected Professor of Fine Arts at Oxford, 1869; received the degree of LL.D. from the University of Cambridge in 1871.

Sands, Robert C.-Was born in New York City, 1799; studied law, but left his profession for literary pursuits, and became distinguished as poet and journalist. Died in 1832.

Sargent, Epes.-Poet and journalist, author of educational works, etc., born in Boston, Massachusetts, 1812; died in 1880. He is widely known as the author of the famous ballad, "A Life on the Ocean Wave." Saxe, John Godfrey.-A poet who excels all other American versifiers in genuine humor, whose writings have gained extensive popularity; born at Highgate, Vermont, 1816; died in 1886. His works are published by Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston, Mass.

Schiller, Friedrich.-A renowned German author, born at Wurtemberg, in 1759; died in 1805. Many of his poems are rarities, and have been translated into other tongues, and widely read.

Scott, Sir Walter.—The renowned Scottish novelist and poet, whose immortal works, celebrating the his tory and romance of his native country, have had a phenomenal popularity, was born in Edinburgh, 1771. Of delicate health in early life, he slowly advanced to a sturdy manhood, and became distinguished as an author at a period comparatively late. His works are voluminous, the "Waverly Novels" being among the famous works of fiction, while "The Lay of the Last Minstrel," and "The Lady of the Lake," hold high rank in the realm of poetry. Died in 1832.

Shakespeare, William.—He lives in a kingdom by himself. Few of the works of other authors have ever approached his sublime creations. Born at Stratfordon-Avon, England, April 23, 1564; an actor in London, 1589; author of dramas to the number of thirtyseven; retired to his native town in 1610; died in 1616, and was buried in the church vaults at Stratford. A drinking fountain, presented to his town by Mr. George W. Childs of Philadelphia, in 1887, was a fitting testimonial of the admiration felt by Americans for the works of the greatest of all dramatists.

Sharpe, R. S.-Author of "The Minute Gun," born in England 1759; died in 1835.

Shelley, Percy Bysshe.—A brilliant young English poet, who died at the age of twenty-eight, in 1822. His liberal opinions upon social and religious questions prejudiced the minds of many, yet in the later review of his poems the world has been forced to concede to him the highest order of genius. His poem on "The Cloud" is not surpassed by anything of its kind in the English language.

Shenstone, William.-A pastoral poet of England; born in 1714; died in 1763.

Sheridan, Richard Brinsley.-Famous for his wit, dramatic and oratorical talent, as well as for his reckless habits, was born in Ireland in 1751, and died in 1816.

Shillaber, Benjamin P.-Born in New Hampshire, 1814; connected for many years with the Boston Post, and other periodicals, and famous as the author of the sayings of "Mrs. Partington."

Sigourney, Lydia Huntley.-A name honorably associated with our country's literature, and representing abilities of a high order. Mrs. Sigourney was a poetess from childhood, and although never reaching the lofty flights of some of her contemporaries, her writings have the charm of deep feeling, elevation of sentiment, and graceful expression. She was born at Norwich, Connecticut, in 1791, and died in 1865.

Sims, George R.-An Australian poet; is best known by his celebrated poem of "Ostler Joe," the recitation of which brought Mrs. Brown Potter into public notice, and which will be found in these pages. It is characterized by intense feeling and energy. Simmons, Bartholomew.-An Irish poet whose works were published in 1843. He died in 1850.

Smith, Alexander.-Author of "A Life Drama," and several other poems, made a decided sensation in Scotland when his poems first appeared. He was born at Kilmarnock in 1830; made secretary of the University of Edinburgh in 1854, and died in 1867.

Smith, Horace.—Famous for his wit; was the author, with his brother James, of "The Rejected Addresses," and other popular works. Born in England, 1779; died in 1849.

Somerville, William.-An English poet, author of "The Chase," etc., born in 1677; died in 1742.

Southey, Caroline Bowles.-Second wife of the poet Southey, an authoress of wide repute, born in England 1787; died in 1854.

Southey, Robert.—He gained an enviable position as writer of prose and poetry, and like Wordsworth, may be called a "poet of nature." Born at Bristol,