Thoughts Sublime: Eighty Two Sonnets from Godey's Lady's Book

by Deborah L. Halliday

Nineteenth century Americans loved sonnets. This volume contains eighty two poems found in either Godey’s Lady’s Book or the American Ladies’ Magazine between 1828 and 1876. Some were widely reprinted in the nineteenth century while others might never have been published outside of Godey’s until now. Not all of these sonnets follow the traditional form, but they represent a literature widely read by nineteenth century Americans. Over forty poets are represented here including, among others, Julia Perkins Pratt Ballard (Kruna), William Cullen Bryant, Ebenezer Elliott, Elizabeth Clementine Kinney, Mary E. Lee, Mary Spenser Pease, William Gilmore Simms, Elizabeth Oakes Smith, R. H. Stoddard, H. T. Tuckerman, and N. P. Willis. Most, but not all, are American. These poets speak to us across time with their poems about life, relationships, the natural world, and more. Read each one slowly, and savor.

122 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

Reviews

[Connie Ciampanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

For several decades during the nineteenth century, Godey's Lady's book was the premier American magazine, at its peak reaching 150,000 subscriptions. Initially, like most other magazine publishers of the day, Godey simply re-published material (copyright was not as strong as it later became), with a bit of new material. Soon, though, he broke new ground by publishing only new material, and with his hiring of Sarah Josepha Hale (she of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" fame), his publication took off.

Notable among its fare, Godey's Lady's Book featured poetry, including hundreds of sonnets. Thoughts Sublime is one of several volumes of sonnets collected by editor Deborah L. Halliday. Halliday spent years amassing bound volumes of the magazine, combing through them for sonnets, studying them and formatting them into cohesive collections. Most are grouped by topic: mourning, seasons, love, death. Others are an assortment of topics. Thoughts Sublime falls into the latter category.

Thoughts Sublime succeeds in the title's promise. It is a lovely assemblage of sonnets, a slim volume of eighty-two poems from more than forty writers, offering myriad pieces to dip into and enjoy and upon which to reflect. In addition, Deborah Halliday's brief Introduction is chock full of interesting information about the magazine, sonnets, and the editing process. It alone is worth the small price of the book. Halliday is a born teacher.

Highly recommended.