Celia Thaxter, NH Poet

Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1835, Celia Thaxter grew up on the Isles of Shoals. She "was one of the most popular New England poets of the late nineteenth century, a highly respected writer of prose for adults and children, a talented painter and passionate gardener. It is also fair to say that her image as the enchanting “Island Queen” presiding gracefully and effortlessly over a salon of artistic gentry has persisted for over 100 years, often overshadowing her personal struggles and literary and artistic accomplishments." (Book Notes, Spring 2007)

Many of her poems are available on the web including Three Norwegian Poems, The Sandpiper, The Shag, and Compensation.

Resources for further reading

• SeacoastNH.com has compiled articles and resources about this famous native daughter.
  
• Colby College has a collection of Celia Thaxter materials.
• Digital version of An Island Garden from The Celebration of Women Writers
  
• Materials in NH Libraries ABOUT Celia Thaxter.
• Materials in NH Libraries BY Celia Thaxter.