Whittier, John Greenleaf, 1807-1892

Wilhelm Aarek's thesis, entitled "John Greenleaf Whittier: Some General Characteristics of his Poetry," provides a brief history of early American literature and the influence of religion, chiefly providing a literary analysis of John Greenleaf Whittier's poetry, including various influences on his poetry, as well as its themes and subjects.

This volume includes correspondence related to the 150th anniversary of John G. Whittier’s birth, discussion of publication of a volume of his poetry, information on the Whittier Anniversary committee, including a list of the committee members, as well as clippings of printed poems by J.G. Whittier and hymns. The majority of correspondence is addressed to Marshall Taylor, and it is likely that it is his scrapbook, though the owner of the volume is unclear.

John Greenleaf Whittier's "Moll Pitcher: A Poem" describes the clairvoyant and fortune-teller Moll Pitcher, born Mary Diamond (ca. 1736-1813), of Massachusetts, as a witch engaged in sinful work.

John Greenleaf Whittier was an American Quaker poet and editor, as well as an involved abolitionist. He was a delegate to the Anti-Slavery Society in 1833, a member of the State Legislature in 1835, founded the antislavery Liberty party in 1840, and ran for Congress in 1842. Topics covered in Whittier's letterbook include news of health and family, as well as discussions of contributions to "The Non-Slaveholder" and discussions of English Friends.