Reputation is only a candle, of wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out, but it is the light by which the world looks for and finds merit.

(1782–1861) a minister at a Unitarian church in Boston who had previously studied theology at Edinburgh and Harriett Brackett Spence Lowell. He used poetry for reform particularly in abolitionism. " Like Lowell James Russell Lowell wrote poetry and the next twelve years of Lowell's life were deeply affected by her influence.

After moving back to Cambridge Lowell was one of the founders of a journal called The Pioneer which lasted only three issues. He publiJames Russell Lowelld his first collection of poetry in 1841 and married Maria White in 1844. Lowell attempted to emulate the true Yankee accent in the dialogue of his characters particularly in The Biglow Papers.