The Life and Works of Paul Laurence Dunbar

by Lida Keck Wiggins

Book by Wiggins, Lida Keck

Genres: Classics, Poetry

298 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1907

Reviews

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not frequently read poetry, but decided to read the poems of fellow Daytonian P L Dunbar. I really enjoyed them, though I don't have enough background in literature to compare his poetry with anything. His poetry tends to be metered and rhyming, and he was a master in this art, not only in proper English, but also in slave dialect and poor folk dialect which impressed me to no end. A lot of love poetry, focus on death and loss, and also descriptions of everyday rural life as the country moved from the 19th into the 20th Centuries. He did not have a happy love life or marriage and died young of tuberculosis at age 33. I don't know to what extent he wrote for an audience (for example wrote what sells) and to what extent he wrote what was on his heart.

[Keisha Adinkra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Paul L. Dunbar’s poetry and works! Must have for poetry lovers!

[Mark Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Burns, Dunbar wrote magnificently in both his native dialect and in the King's English. I've read less than half of this but am already bowled over at the talent, art and heart of this great poet from Ohio.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must have for any poetry lover.

[Brenda Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My father read Mr. Dunbar's poetry to me as a child. Almost 50 years later it tell resonates in my soul.