Alfred Billings Street (1811–81) was an American poet and writer known for vivid depictions of nature and historical themes, capturing the beauty of the wilderness and early settlement.
Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Street studied at Dutchess County Academy and briefly practiced law under his father, Randall S. Street, before pursuing literature. In 1839, he moved to Albany, editing The Northern Light (1843–44.) His literary career flourished, and in 1848, he became New York State Librarian, a position he held until his death.
His poetry often explored nature and history. Early works include The Burning of Schenectady, and Other Poems (1842) and Drawings and Tintings (1844.) He published Frontenac: or The Atotarho of the Iroquois (1849,) a metrical romance about Count de Frontenac. His prose includes Woods and Waters, or the Saranacs and the Racket (1860,) The Indian Pass (1869,) and Lake and Mountain; or, Autumn in the Adirondacks (1870,) focused on New York’s landscapes. He also wrote A Digest of Taxation in the United States (1863,) reflecting his legal interests.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Alfred Billings Street
Nature is man’s teacher. She unfolds her treasures to his search, unseals his eye, illumes his mind, and purifies his heart; an influence breathes from all the sights and sounds of her existence.
—Alfred Billings Street
Topics: Nature
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