The Poet at the Breakfast-Table   By: Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)

In Oliver Wendell Holmes' "The Poet at the Breakfast Table," readers are welcomed into the intimate yet enlightening world of the renowned poet's musings. Holmes challenges the traditional notion of poetry as a distant and inaccessible art form, instead presenting it as an integral part of everyday life.

The structure of the book is uniquely conversational, mimicking the daily encounters at a breakfast table. Through his interactions with various dining companions, Holmes delves into a wide range of topics, including philosophy, literature, and the human condition. With each conversation, the author's poetic musings seamlessly blend with his astute observations, resulting in an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Holmes' eloquent writing style captivates readers from the first page, as he weaves together beautiful imagery, witty anecdotes, and profound philosophical insights. His ability to effortlessly transition from light-hearted banter to profound pondering is a testament to his skill as a writer.

One of the standout aspects of the book is Holmes' ability to find inspiration in the mundane. Whether discussing the simple pleasures of a morning cup of coffee or the beauty of a sunrise, he eloquently portrays the magic that exists within the everyday. His poetic sensibility encourages readers to appreciate the small moments that often go unnoticed in our busy lives.

Moreover, Holmes uses his platform to challenge societal norms and promote progressive ideas. Throughout the book, he confronts issues such as social inequality, gender roles, and the limitations of traditional religion. His sharp wit and insightful analysis provoke readers to question their own beliefs and consider alternative perspectives.

While some may perceive the conversational structure of the book as lacking direction, it allows for a deeper connection with the author. The absence of a rigid plot or narrative arc creates an atmosphere where readers can truly immerse themselves in Holmes' thoughts and reflections.

"The Poet at the Breakfast Table" offers a refreshing take on poetry and its relevance to modern living. Oliver Wendell Holmes' ability to blend poetic eloquence with profound insights makes this book a compelling read for anyone seeking intellectual stimulation and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of everyday life.

First Page:

In this, the third series of Breakfast Table conversations, a slight dramatic background shows off a few talkers and writers, aided by certain silent supernumeraries. The machinery is much like that of the two preceding series. Some of the characters must seem like old acquaintances to those who have read the former papers. As I read these over for the first time for a number of years, I notice one character; presenting a class of beings who have greatly multiplied during the interval which separates the earlier and later Breakfast Table papers, I mean the scientific specialists. The entomologist, who confines himself rigidly to the study of the coleoptera, is intended to typify this class. The subdivision of labor, which, as we used to be told, required fourteen different workmen to make a single pin, has reached all branches of knowledge. We find new terms in all the Professions, implying that special provinces have been marked off, each having its own school of students. In theology we have many curious subdivisions; among the rest eschatology, that is to say, the geography, geology, etc., of the "undiscovered country;" in medicine, if the surgeon who deals with dislocations of the right shoulder declines to meddle with a displacement on the other side, we are not surprised, but ring the bell of the practitioner who devotes himself to injuries of the left shoulder... Continue reading book >>