The New Hampshire Book: Specimens of the Literature of the Granite State

# The New Hampshire Book: Specimens of the Literature of the Granite State

This 1842 compilation presents selected writings by New Hampshire natives and long-term residents across diverse genres. The collection includes poetry on regional subjects—"The White Mountains," "Monadnock," "The River Merrimac"—alongside philosophical and theological pieces such as Edward Payson's "The Bible as a Human Composition" and Hosea Ballou's "God is Love." Historical and biographical essays cover early settlement, the Revolution, and notable figures like John Langdon and Lafayette. Practical writings address agriculture, commerce, education, temperance, and civic duty by authors including Daniel Webster and Franklin Pierce. Literary criticism appears in essays on classical studies and biographical sketches of clergymen and public figures. Narrative works include "Chocorua's Curse" and "Lovewell's Fight," drawing on regional history and legend. The editors note that many distinguished New Hampshire natives pursued careers elsewhere, contributing to national intellectual and political life, while geographic limitations restricted opportunities for brilliance to develop locally.