The Reader’s Notebook: Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

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Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr (29 August 1809 - 7 October 1894) was an American physician, poet, professor, lecturer, and author, Regarded by his peers as one of the best writers of the 19th century, he is considered a member of the Fireside Poets, His most famous prose works are the "Breakfast-Table" series, which began with The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table (1858), He is also recognized as an important medical reformer. (Photo by Universal History Archive/UIG/Getty Images)

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Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was an American physician, poet, and polymath based in Boston. Grouped among the fireside poets, he was acclaimed by his peers as one of the best writers of the day. His most famous prose works are the "Breakfast-Table" series, which began with The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table.