James Russell Lowell was an American poet, critic, and essayist born on February 22, 1819, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was a prominent figure in the American Romanticism movement and is best known for his works such as "The Biglow Papers," which combined humor and social commentary. Lowell also played a significant role in the literary community as an editor and a professor. In addition to his literary contributions, Lowell was an active abolitionist and supported the anti-slavery movement. He served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain and later to England, where he furthered cultural and diplomatic relations. Lowell passed away on August 12, 1891, leaving a lasting impact on American literature.