Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - The Courtship of Miles Standish: "Thought takes man out of servitude, into freedom"

Longfellow's life is marked by a profound dedication to literature, beginning with his early fluency in Latin and the publication of his first poem at just 13. His travels in Europe enriched his writing, leading to notable works like "Hyperion" and "Evangeline." Personal tragedies, including the death of his first wife and severe burns from a fire, shaped his emotional landscape. As a leading figure among The Fireside Poets, he became the most popular poet of his time, with works like "Paul Revere's Ride" deeply embedding themselves in American culture. He passed away in 1882.