Oliver Wendell Holmes 
John Lothrop Motley, A Memoir — Complete 

Oliver Wendell Holmes’ ‘John Lothrop Motley, A Memoir — Complete’ provides a comprehensive and insightful look into the life and work of one of the most influential historians of the 19th century. Holmes meticulously documents Motley’s upbringing, education, and literary career, highlighting his contributions to the field of history and his impact on American literature. Written in a clear and engaging style, the memoir offers a glimpse into the literary context of the time and sheds light on the political and social issues that Motley grappled with in his writings. Oliver Wendell Holmes, a prominent literary figure and contemporary of Motley, brings a unique perspective to this biography. As a close friend and admirer of Motley, Holmes is able to offer intimate insights into the personal and professional life of the historian. His expertise in history and literature enriches the reader’s understanding of Motley’s significance in the literary world. I highly recommend ‘John Lothrop Motley, A Memoir — Complete’ to readers interested in American history, literature, and biography. Holmes’ masterful storytelling and detailed research make this book a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

About the author

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. (1809–1894) was a prominent American polymath based in Boston, widely recognized for his contributions as an author, poet, physician, and professor at Harvard Medical School. Notably, his literary career included both prose and poetry, with ‘The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table’ (1858) being one of his famous works. A renowned member of the Fireside Poets, his style commonly depicted a blend of humor, sentimentalism, and a deep affinity with New England’s culture and society. Holmes’s essays and travelogues were celebrated for their conversational tone and thoughtful content. The biography ‘John Lothrop Motley, A Memoir — Complete’ signifies his foray into memorializing the life and achievements of his friend and fellow author. Holmes’s engagement with various genres showcased his versatile literary talents, and his works often mirrored the intellectual ferment of the American Renaissance period. The depth and variance found in his oeuvre contribute to the enduring study of American literature and thought. Holmes’s influence extended beyond his immediate literary achievements as his essays and public lectures often illuminated issues of law, medicine, and ethics, shaping public discourse of the time. His legacy persists not only in literature but also in legal philosophy, with his son, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., becoming a distinguished U.S. Supreme Court Justice.