Maud Muller

by John Greenleaf Whittier, William John Hennessy (Creator)

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Genres: Poetry

46 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2006

About the author

John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) was an influential American Quaker poet and ardent advocate of the abolition of slavery in the United States. He is usually listed as one of the Fireside Poets. Whittier was strongly influenced by the Scottish poet, Robert Burns.

Reviews

[Fdb2166 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ninety-five percent of this poem is consummate "meh," and then you have final 5%, which is simply sublime. And you look back at the 95% and you think,"Huh, maybe I was too hard on you after all." Quite a turn around. Few texts, which I can think of anyhow, can say that. Top notch in my book.

[Steven Buttice · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most moving pieces of literature I have ever read.

[Stephen Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

For of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these: "It might have been!"

After a peasant girl and a young judge have a brief encounter in the fields, they fantasize about the attractions of life in each other's social station. A simple idea, but with some memorable lines such as those quoted above. I recommend reading the illustrated edition of 1867 and following it with Bret Harte's satirical sequel.

[Asher Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this poem. As others have said, it has a very simplistic and what some might consider to be a cliche story; however, it is elegantly written and presents some good food for thought towards the end.

[Miles Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whittier's magnificent and haunting open in a simply stunning illustrated edition from 1870.

[Ari Chand · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: 'It might have been!'”

[Kathy O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an 1867 version of this book, that belonged to my great great grandfather Jacob Winslow Horton (1827-1893). Beautifully illustrated, poignant, short and sad story--about a love that might have been, but never came to pass.