The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 06 Poems from the Breakfast Table Series

"The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 06" by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a collection of poetry likely written during the mid to late 19th century. This volume showcases a wide range of themes and styles, reflecting on human emotions, nature, and societal observations, through a myriad of verses that celebrate beauty and introspection. The opening portion of the collection presents a variety of poems, each with distinct subjects and sentiments. For instance, "The Chambered Nautilus" uses the metaphor of a sea creature to explore ideas of growth and the passage of time, urging the reader to build "more stately mansions" for their souls. Other poems such as "Sun and Shadow" juxtapose light and darkness, reflecting on life's dualities. The writings exhibit Holmes's signature wit and cleverness, as seen in "The Deacon's Masterpiece," which humorously narrates the story of a logically built carriage, embracing both a moral and a whimsical storytelling approach. Overall, the beginning of this volume engages readers with rich imagery and thoughtful reflections, inviting them into Holmes's world of poetic exploration. (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.