Nathaniel Parker Willis

Date of Birth: January 20, 1806

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: January 20, 1867

Biography

Nathaniel Parker Willis was a prominent American author, poet, and editor of the 19th century. Born on January 20, 1806, in Portland, Maine, Willis was a key figure in American literature during his lifetime. He was the son of a newspaper editor and began his career writing for his father’s publication. Willis attended Yale University, where he founded and edited the Yale Literary Magazine. He quickly gained recognition for his poetry and prose, contributing to several well-known magazines. In 1831, he co-founded the American Monthly Magazine and later became a contributing editor for the New York Mirror, where he published some of his most notable works. Willis was known for his travel writings, essays, and serialized novels, which were highly popular and widely read. Willis’s eloquent style and keen observations made him one of the highest-paid writers of his time. He moved in influential circles and was friends with many other literary figures, including Edgar Allan Poe and Washington Irving. Throughout his career, Willis championed the works of other writers and played an essential role in shaping American literary culture. He married twice and had several children. Later in life, Willis suffered from health issues and passed away on January 20, 1867, in Newburgh, New York. His legacy endures through his contributions to American literature and his role in the literary community.

5 Interesting Facts about Nathaniel Parker Willis

1. Nathaniel Parker Willis was one of the highest-paid writers in America during the mid-19th century.

2. He founded the Home Journal, which later became Town & Country magazine.

3. Willis was a close friend and supporter of Edgar Allan Poe, helping to publish some of Poe’s early works.

4. He travelled extensively in Europe and wrote detailed travel accounts that captivated American readers.

5. Willis’s works were known for their elegant style and moral themes, making him a favorite among Victorian-era readers.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nathaniel Parker Willis

1. “The soul’s dark cottage, battered and decayed, lets in new light through chinks that Time has made.”

2. “There is nothing more universally commended than a fine day; the reason is, that people can commend it without envy.”

3. “Nature never did betray the heart that loved her.”

4. “Genius detects through the thin veil of circumstance the deeper laws of being.”

5. “Our moments of inspiration are not lost, though we have no particular poem to show for them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Nathaniel Parker Willis was one of the highest-paid writers in America, earning an estimated annual income equivalent to around $100,000 in today’s currency.

Children

Nathaniel Parker Willis had three children with his first wife, Mary Stace. Their names were Imogen, Edith, and Grinnell. After Mary’s death, Willis married Cornelia Grinnell, with whom he had two more children, Lilian and Bailey.