The Song of Hiawatha

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, Henry Bernard Cotterill

Book Overview

"The Song of Hiawatha" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is an epic poem inspired by Native American oral traditions. This classic work explores the legends and life of Hiawatha, a figure central to Iroquois history. Longfellow's poem weaves a tapestry of stories reflecting the history, culture, and spirit of Native Americans.

A cornerstone of American literature, "The Song of Hiawatha" remains a significant exploration of Native American heritage and a captivating example of the epic form. It offers a poetic glimpse into the world of Iroquois kings and rulers, presenting timeless themes of nature, community, and the human condition. This meticulously prepared print edition allows readers to experience Longfellow's enduring verses and delve into a vital part of American history through the power of poetry.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1023358735
• ISBN13: 9781023358736
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Very good Poem.

This is a beautiful poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It's somewhat long but it's worth it. You'll remember lines from it and want to listen again.

Celebrates Native American culture and the beauty of nature...

This is a nice book on so many levels. It features beautiful artwork and the rythmic poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; and tells the story of Hiawatha's childhood with his wise grandmother Nokomis and all the plants and animals of the forest. It's a bedtime favorite of my little boy and me. It's also a good way to spark interest in the Native American culture and the beauty of nature.

Longfellow's saga is pure New England Renaissance.

Although very popular in its day; Longfellow's "Song of Hiawatha" was later viewed to be superficial and saccharine. Where as Walt Whitman may have spoken with more of an organic American voice, Longfellow drew upon English Romantic models and looked to Norse and especially the Finnish epic or "edda" "Kalevala" for inspiration. Not with standing; Longfellow's saga is pure New England Renaissance; touching upon values and aesthetics characteristic of Longfellow's circle: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Emerson and Thoreau. The nature-painting of the "Song of Hiawatha" is outstanding; the poetry is full of quotables; and the over-arching message is profound.

Always a joy! To be savored over and over!

Hiawatha is a beautiful, richly detailed poem of Native Americans before the treahery of the white man overwhelmed their way of life. Susan Jeffers took each verse and created a breathtaking, artist's view of the young Hiawatha. Each verse becomes vibrantly alive with her delicate rendiions."By the shores of ..." and Nokomis fill the readers souls with new images because of the renderings made by the talented Susan Jeffers.

A childhood classic comes alive

I have this poem memorized because my father recited it to me so many times as a child. This illustrated version has beautiful pictures that capture the fact that this is the story of child and embody the lyric quality of Longfellows poem.

This is a great campfire book that really makes you think.

"The Song of Hiawatha" is the best book I have ever been exposed to. Every time I hear the wonderful rhyme of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, I begin to think of what this land was like before the Europeans conquered it. It is a wonderful tale of peace between nations and a great book to read to children.