Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born on February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine, was a prominent American poet and educator whose works have left a lasting legacy in American literature. He died on March 24, 1882, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Longfellow was not only a celebrated poet but also a professor at Harvard University, where he taught modern languages.

Longfellow's early life was marked by the influence of his family's educational background, as his father was a prominent attorney and his mother was a well-read woman. He attended Bowdoin College, where he developed a passion for literature and languages. After graduating in 1825, he pursued a career in writing and education, eventually becoming a professor of modern languages at Harvard.

Longfellow's literary career began in earnest with the publication of his first collection of poems, "Voices of the Night," in 1839. His work gained widespread popularity, and he became known for his ability to blend European poetic forms with American themes. Notable works include "The Song of Hiawatha," "Evangeline," and "Paul Revere's Ride," which have become staples of American literature and reflect his deep appreciation for both history and myth.

In addition to his professional achievements, Longfellow's personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy. He married three times, with his second wife, Frances, tragically dying in a fire, an event that profoundly affected him and influenced his later poetry. Longfellow’s ability to capture the human experience, both in joy and sorrow, contributed to his enduring popularity and established him as one of the most beloved poets of his time.