Paradise Lost: A Poet in the Political Labyrinth

During the nineteenth century, it was not unusual for promiĀ­nent literary figures – authors, playwrights and, of course, poet laureatesĀ­ – to be awarded diplomatic posts as honors. Perhaps these appointments lent prestige to administrations or helped lessen suggestions of rank patronage. Writer Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was one of the best examples; he held several custom house...
read more