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Stephen Vincent Benet is the American Homer, and John Brown's Body is his epic poem. John Brown's Body is a retelling of the American Civil War as an epic poem which embodies the best of the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid and Paradise Lost.

One of the most widely read poems of our time--a masterful retelling of the American Civil War. Magnificently readable. --New Statesman

One of the most widely read poems of our time-a masterful retelling of the American Civil War. "Magnificently readable."-New Statesman.

THE STORY: There are three principal speaking parts, plus a chorus that speaks and sings. Though this is technically an epic poem, it is actually a highly dramatic work with a quality of excitement unrivaled by many plays. The poem begins with John

One of the most widely read poems of our time--a masterful retelling of the American Civil War. Magnificently readable. --New Statesman

One of the most widely read poems of our time--a masterful retelling of the American Civil War. Magnificently readable. --New Statesman

This early work by Stephen Vincent Ben t was originally published in 1928 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory biography. 'John Brown's Body' is a long poem that tells the story of the American Civil War and illuminates the lives of soldiers, leaders,... Read Full Overview