Books in The 100 greatest masterpieces of American literature series

"I have a swell idea for a long poem," wrote Stephen Vincent Benét to his wife in 1925. "The only trouble is, it would take about seven years to write and I'd have to read an entire library first." Thus began the long journey into 100,000 words—almost 15,000 lines—that was to culminate in the publication in 1928 of John Brown's Body. Benét knew it would be a long, arduous, often discouraging task, and yet it was one in which he strongly believed and just as strongly wanted to complete. "The book had to be written," wrote his brother William Rose Benét. "It sprang from inner necessity." This stirring poem is a remarkably vivid portrait of our heritage. It has been widely published, has received a Pulitzer Prize, has been the basis for a powerful stage performance that toured 60 cities across the country. Such distinction carries The Franklin Library limited edition dress and binding most comfortably. Come with us now to the American Civil War, to the adventure, drama and lyrical beauty of John Brown's Body. The Editors 1976 Franklin Mint Corporation Printed in the United States of America