The Biglow Papers

The Biglow Papers are a series of satirical poems written by James Russell Lowell in the 1840s. They use humor and irony to criticize American politics, slavery, and the conflicts with Britain, often through the voice of rustic New Englanders. The poems highlight issues of national identity, social injustice, and political hypocrisy, blending wit with sharp commentary. Recognized for their poetic skill and social critique, The Biglow Papers helped establish Lowell’s reputation as a leading American poet and voice of moral conscience during that era.