Book excerpt: Unique Element About the Author / Historical Context A POETRY COLLECTION by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW. Ballads and Other Poems by AMERICAN author HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW (1807-1882) is a collection of poems first published in 1842 in the UNITED STATES. A popular LITERARY classic containing the popular "The Wreck of the Hesperus" and "The Village Blacksmith." Longfellow wrote many lyric poems known for their musicality and often presenting stories of mythology and legend. He became the most popular American poet of his day and had success overseas. Sneak Peak It was the schooner Hesperus, That sailed the wintry sea; And the skipper had taken his little daughtèr, To bear him company. Blue were her eyes as the fairy-flax, Her cheeks like the dawn of day, And her bosom white as the hawthorn buds, That ope in the month of May. Title Details  Originally published in 1842 Poetry collection 5.5 x 8.5 inches