Taneya Knowles Tia Keitt Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr

Taneya Knowles Tia Keitt Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. l l l Born: August 29, 1890 Died: October 7, 1894 His professions was as an American physician, professor, lecturer, and author. Considered by his peers as one of the best poets of the 19 th century Fireside poet

Early life l l Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts 1 st son of his father, Abiel Holmes -his mother was Sarah Wendell (his fathers 2 nd wife) He adored reading books from his fathers library -being exposed to such great writers, Holmes slowly began composing and reciting his own pieces 1 st recorded poem was at the age of 13

Education l l His father sent him to the Philips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts at age 15 hoping he would follow in his footsteps and become a minister. Accepted to Harvard after 16 th birthday Joined the “Aristocrats” and “Puffmaniacs” instead of playing sports Studied various languages and was 1 of 20 awarded the scholastic honor Deturs

Poetic Beginnings l l In 1830 he was disappointed by his law studies, so he began writing poetry for his own amusement -Before the end of the year he had over 50 poems Four of these poems would ultimately become among his best-known: - “The Dorchester Giant” - “Reflections of a Proud Pedestrian” - “Evening/ by a Tailor” - “The Height of the Ridiculous”

l After graduation, Holmes quickly became a fixture in the local medical scene by joining the Massachusetts Medical Society, the Boston Medical Society, and the Boston Society for Medical Improvement.

Poetry l l l l Among the 1 st Americans to build substantial popularity in Europe Believed poetry had “the power of transfiguring the experiences and shows of life imagination and kindles that of others. ” The Poet at the Breakfast-Table was published in 1872. Published a biography on John Lothrop Motley in 1876. The following year he published a collection of his medical essays and Pages for an Old Volume of Life. Retired from Harvard Medical School in 1882 after 35 years as a professor The university made him professor emeritus after he gave his last lecture

Death l l l Suffering from exhaustion, and mourning the sudden death of his youngest son, Holmes began postponing his writing and social engagements. Met in Great Britain with writers and was awarded a doctor of letters degree (D. Litt) from Cambridge University, a doctor of laws (LL. D. ) from Edinburgh University, and a 3 rd honorary degree from Oxford. Upon his return to the U. S. with his daughter Amelia, Holmes published a travelogue entitled Our One Hundred Days in Europe. His last public appearance was at a reception for the National Education Association in Boston on February 23, 1893, where he presented the poem "To the Teachers of America". Died peacefully in his sleep in the afternoon of October 7, 1894. His son Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. wrote, "His death was as peaceful as one could wish for those one loves. He simply ceased to breathe.

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