The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (1907–21).
VOLUME XV. Colonial and Revolutionary Literature; Early National Literature, Part I.

V. Bryant and the Minor Poets.

§ 20. Samuel Woodworth; George P. Morris.


Samuel Woodworth (1785–1842) 33  and George P. Morris (1802–1864), Knickerbocker editors of literary journals 34  and charitably remembered respectively for The Old Oaken Bucket and Woodman, Spare that Tree, were popular song writers in the sentimental fashion (perhaps more developed in America than in England) that seems to have originated with Tom Moore. Yet such songs had music, point, and refinement that sets them far above their popular descendants—the raucous, vulgar inanities born of vaudeville and cabaret.   31

Note 33. See Book II, Chaps. II and VI. [ back ]
Note 34. See Book II, Chap. XX. [ back ]