First published in 1858, "The Courtship of Miles Standish" is a narrative poem written by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow about the 'Mayflower', an English ship that transported early Pilgrims to the New World in 1620. The ship has since become an important part of American history and culture, as well as the subject of innumerable works of art, plays, films, poems, songs, books, etc. Beautifully illustrated and written by one of America's most celebrated poets, it is not to be missed by poetry lovers with an interest in early American history. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) was an American poet and educator. He was a member of the Fireside Poets of New England as well as the first American translator of Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy". Longfellow's lyric poems became well-known for their musicality and mythology, garnering him significant acclaim both at home and overseas. Other notable works by this poet include: "Paul Revere's Ride", "The Song of Hiawatha", and "Evangeline". Read & Co. History is republishing this classic poem now complete with a biography of the author by John William Cousin.