The Book by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem is a tribute to the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. It tells the story of a slave who escapes from bondage and makes his way to freedom in the North. The narrative is presented through the voice of a conductor on the railroad, who recounts the tale of the fugitive's journey.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry · 110 words
First lines
Gallery of sacred pictures manifold, A minster rich in holy effigies, And bearing on entablature and frieze The hieroglyphic oracles of old. Along its transept aureoled martyrs sit; And the low chancel side-lights half acquaint The eye with shrines of prophet, bard, and saint, Their age-dimmed tablets traced in doubtful writ! But only when on form and word obscure Falls from above the white supernal light We read the mystic characters aright, And life informs the silent portraiture, Until we pause at last, awe-held, before The One ineffable Face, love, wonder, and adore. 1881
What this Textopian page supports
The Book is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1827 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1827 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 110 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Book by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Book?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work explores themes of spirituality, reverence, and the divine, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal expression of emotions and thoughts aligns with the conventions of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — Imagery related to light and sacred spaces reflects a connection to nature and the divine.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of deeper meanings and existential themes indicates a philosophical approach.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Social Commentary · Politics · Slavery · Abolitionism · Civil War Era · New England · Regionalism