William Gilmore Simms (1806–70) was a poet, novelist and historian from the American South. His writings achieved great prominence during the 19th century, with Edgar Allan Poe pronouncing him the best novelist America had ever produced. He is still known among literary scholars as a major force in antebellum Southern literature. He is also remembered for his strong support of slavery and for his opposition to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, in response to which he wrote reviews and a pro-slavery novel.
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Neither praise or blame is the object of true criticism. Justly to discriminate, firmly to establish, wisely to prescribe, and honestly to award. These are the true aims and duties of criticism.
—William Gilmore Simms
Topics: Criticism, Critics
Love is but another name for that inscrutable presence by which the soul is connected with humanity.
—William Gilmore Simms
Our true acquisitions lie only in our charities, we gain only as we give.
—William Gilmore Simms
Topics: Charity
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