James Russell Lowell

The 3-cent Famous American Poets stamp, issued February 20, 1940, depicts James Russell Lowell (1819–1891). Among the 19th century's most prominent American writers, Lowell edited the Atlantic Monthly, which he helped found, for several years, and also edited the North American Review. He published widely in support of the abolitionist cause. Among his works are "The Vision of Sir Launfal," an Arthurian epic of the search for the Holy Grail, and "The Bigelow Papers," satirical writings in Yankee dialect opposing the Mexican-American War and supporting the Union cause in the Civil War.