Inspirational Quotes by Celia Thaxter (American Poet)

Celia Thaxter (1835–94,) née Laighton, was a renowned American writer and poet who greatly influenced New England’s literary and cultural circles. Her literary works primarily focused on captivating portrayals of the natural beauty found on the islands and in the ocean of her youth.

Born on the Isles of Shoals, situated off the coast of New Hampshire, Thaxter was the daughter of a resort operator. Her father’s establishment attracted such notable guests as Ralph Waldo Emerson, James Russell Lowell, John Greenleaf Whittier, Henry David Thoreau, William Morris Hunt, Childe Hassam, Lucy Larcom, and Sarah Orne Jewett. After her marriage, she settled in Newtonville, Massachusetts, in 1856.

Through her poetry, Thaxter’s longing for the sea and the Isles of Shoals found expression. Unbeknownst to her, one of her poems, “Land-Locked,” was published in the Atlantic Monthly in March 1861. The editor, James Russell Lowell, provided the title. Following this unexpected publication, her poetry frequently appeared in various periodicals such as The Atlantic, Scribner’s, Harper’s, Century, St. Nicholas, Our Young Folks, and New England Magazine.

In 1872, Thaxter released her first book, Poems, which was later expanded in an edition published in 1874. Additionally, she published Among the Isles of Shoals (1873,) a collection of prose sketches. Her residence in Newtonville became a literary gathering place, and she was widely accepted as a member of Boston’s literary society.

Thaxter’s later works include Drift Weed (1879,) Poems for Children (1884,) Idylls and Pastorals (1886,) The Cruise of the Mystery (1886,) and An Island Garden (1894,) which featured illustrations by Childe Hassam.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Celia Thaxter