The Female Prose Writers of America/Caroline May
CAROLINE MAY.
Miss May, one of the sweetest of our female poets, has written also some excellent prose, entitled to consideration, besides a goodly amount of editorial labour. Her largest publication, “The American Female Poets,” in 1848, contains, in the biographical and critical notices prefixed to the several extracts, an amount of original matter, sufficient to fill a considerable volume. These notices are written with much ability, and, together with the selections, they show a sound judgment, a highly cultivated literary taste, and great freedom and command of language. Miss May has also edited one or two annuals, and a volume of elegant extracts, called “Treasured Thoughts,” which has been quite a favourite. An essay on “Handel,” which we have had the pleasure of reading in manuscript, deserves to rank among the very best specimens of biographical criticism. A single introductory paragraph is quoted. The other extract is from the “Female Poets.”
Miss May is the daughter of the Rev. Edward Harrison May, who was for many years pastor of one of the Dutch Reformed Churches of New York, and who is at present Secretary of the American Seamen’s Friend Society. Her brother, a young artist of fine promise, was one of the chief designers and painters of the panorama of Pilgrim’s Progress, which has been so deservedly popular. Miss May is a resident of New York.