John Greenleaf Whittier

John Greenleaf Whittier was an American poet and advocate for social justice, best known for his passionate abolitionist stance during the mid-19th century. Born on December 17, 1807, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Whittier grew up in a Quaker family that instilled in him a deep sense of moral responsibility. His love for poetry blossomed early, and he published his first poem at just 19. Throughout his life, Whittier used his literary talents to speak out against slavery and promote human rights, making him a prominent figure in the American literary and political landscape.

Whittier's work often reflects the beauty of nature and the struggles of humanity, infused with a sense of hope and resilience. His most famous poems, such as "Snow-Bound" and "The Barefoot Boy," resonate with readers for their vivid imagery and heartfelt themes. As you explore his collection in the app, you’ll discover the lyrical grace that characterizes his writing and the social consciousness that drove his life’s work. Whittier's legacy continues to inspire, inviting us to reflect on both the beauty of the world and the importance of justice.

Forgiveness (Whittier)

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John Greenleaf Whittier



LibriVox volunteers bring you 13 recordings of Forgiveness by John Greenleaf Whittier. This was the Weekly Poetry project for June 2, 2013.W…

Snow-Bound: A Winter Idyl

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John Greenleaf Whittier



A 750-line idyllic poem about a snow-storm from the narrator's childhood. (Summary by Paul Tremblay)

The Frost Spirit

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John Greenleaf Whittier



LibriVox volunteers bring you 11 recordings of The Frost Spirit by John Greenleaf Whittier. This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for Octo…

A Mystery

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John Greenleaf Whittier



John Greenleaf Whittier was an American Quaker poet and advocate of the abolition of slavery in the United States. Frequently listed as one …

The Inner Life

Read by Subhash Chander


John Greenleaf Whittier



John Greenleaf Whittier was an influential American Quaker poet and ardent advocate of the abolition of slavery in the United States. He is …

A Christmas Carmen

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John Greenleaf Whittier



John Greenleaf Whittier was an American Quaker poet and advocate of the abolition of slavery in the United States. Frequently listed as one …

Barbara Frietchie

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John Greenleaf Whittier



This was the weekly poem for Flag Day 2006. It tells the largely-apocryphal but nonetheless inspiring story of one old woman’s act of patrio…

The Wishing Bridge

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John Greenleaf Whittier



LibriVox volunteers bring you 17 recordings of The Wishing Bridge by John Greenleaf Whittier.This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for Jul…

Christmastide: Containing Four Famous Poems By Favorite American Poets

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Thomas Bailey Aldrich, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, James Russell Lowell and John Greenleaf Whittier



Four poems by American Poets, including The River Path by John Greenleaf Whittier, Excelsior by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Rose by Jame…