William Cullen Bryant was an American poet, journalist, and editor, born on November 3, 1794, in Cummington, Massachusetts. He is best known for his poem “Thanatopsis,” which reflects on nature and mortality. Bryant played a significant role in the development of American literature and was a key figure in the Romanticism movement. In addition to his poetry, Bryant was a prominent advocate for social causes, including abolitionism and conservation. He served as the editor of the New York Evening Post for nearly fifty years, where he influenced public opinion and championed various reforms. Bryant passed away on June 12, 1878.