The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 05 Poems of the Class of '29 (1851-1889)

"The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 05" by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a collection of poems written during the mid to late 19th century. This volume focuses on the reflections and reminiscences of friendships, especially those formed during the poet's youth and their time at college. The poems capture a range of emotions, from nostalgia for the past, the bonds of friendship, and the bittersweet passage of time. At the start of the volume, the opening poem, "Bill and Joe," features a nostalgic conversation between two old friends reminiscing about their youthful days and the poignant reality of aging. Throughout the opening sections, themes of camaraderie and the passage of years are prevalent. In "A Song of 'Twenty-Nine," the narrator reflects on the bonds formed in their college years, touching on shared experiences and the camaraderie that persists despite the passage of time. The opening sets the tone for a collection that cherishes memories, explores the complexities of growing older, and honors enduring friendships, with a playful yet poignant reverence for the past. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was an American physician, poet, and polymath based in Boston. Grouped among the fireside poets, he was acclaimed by his peers as one of the best writers of the day. His most famous prose works are the "Breakfast-Table" series, which began with The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table (1858). He was also an important medical reformer. In addition to his work as an author and poet, Holmes also served as a physician, professor, lecturer, inventor, and, although he never practiced it, he received formal training in law.