Emily Dickinson passed away on May 15, 1886, at the age of 55. Following her death, her younger sister, Lavinia Dickinson, discovered nearly 1,800 poems carefully organized in hand-sewn booklets. Lavinia played a pivotal role in bringing her sister's work to public attention.
The first collection of Dickinson’s poetry was published in 1890 by Thomas Wentworth Higginson and Mabel Loomis Todd, personal acquaintances of Emily. However, the poems were heavily edited for publication. It wasn't until 1955 that a complete and unedited edition, The Poems of Emily Dickinson, edited by Thomas H. Johnson, was published, offering readers a more accurate representation of her original style.
Emily Dickinson is now regarded as one of the most important figures in American literature. Her introspective and emotionally resonant poetry has inspired countless readers and writers worldwide. Lines such as “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul—and sings the tunes without the words—and never stops at all” and “Saying nothing… sometimes says the most” continue to be quoted and cherished for their lyrical power and philosophical depth.
Her enduring influence on both poetry and literary scholarship cements her legacy as an iconic figure in the canon of American poetry.
Return to the previous page| Birth Date: | 10 Dec, 1830 |
| Age: | 189 yrs |
| Occupations: | Writer Poet |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Amherst |
| residence: | Amherst |
| Education: | Mount Holyoke College |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American poet (1830-1886) |
| Net Worth 2021: | 5 million |
