Connecticut Wits

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The Connecticut Wits , also known as Hartford Wits , were an American group of poets.

At the end of the 18th century , former students and teachers of Yale University met in Hartford , Connecticut , to help the independent literature of young America to break through. From time to time, Thomas Jefferson and his politics came under her literary sights. Therefore, the Connecticut Wits were initially exposed to great hostility because their views seemed too liberal to the conservative establishment. From today's perspective, however, they remained deeply rooted in English literature.

It was a loose circle that gathered regularly in Hartford around Timothy Dwight IV . An inner core consisted of Dwight, David Humphries , John Trumbull , Lemuel Hopkins , Richard Alsop , Theodore Dwight, and Joel Barlow . On a case-by-case basis, young authors or guests of high standing were invited.

Works

The Hartford Wits published some collective works in changing line- ups such as The Anarchiad (1786-187), The Echo (1791-1805) and The Political Greenhouse (1799).

literature

  • Henry A. Beers: The Connecticut wits . - New York, AMC Pr., 1973
  • Leon Howard: The Connecticut wits . - Chicago, Ill., Univ. Pr., 1943
  • Vernon Louis Parrington : The Connecticut Wits . - New York, Harcourt Brace, 1926