by Jeff Strand
First published 2019
This anthology draws inspiration from John Greenleaf Whittier, the 19th century poet known for his antislavery activism and position among New England's Fireside Poets. Editor David Goudsward assembled twenty writers to explore the playful side of Whittier's legacy. The collection reveals how Whittier's subtle humor, particularly evident in his personal correspondence and poems written for friends, can spark contemporary comic fiction. Contributors include Jeff Strand, Peter Rawlik, Gregory L. Norris, and others who transform the poet's world into whimsical narratives. The stories range across different styles of humor while maintaining connections to Whittier's life from 1807 to 1892. All sales support the Whittier Birthplace museum in Haverhill, Massachusetts, making each purchase a contribution to preserving literary history while enjoying modern interpretations of a classic American voice.
Genres: anthologies, humor, comedy, 21st-century
Vibes: whimsical
Tropes: transformation
Setting: Haverhill, Massachusetts
Period: 1807-1892
256 pages · Paperback · Haverhill House Publishing