Joel Barlow: An American Citizen in a Revolutionary World

In the annals of American history, there are countless figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the nation's destiny. One such individual is Joel Barlow, an American citizen whose life intersected with the revolutionary fervor that swept across the world during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As a diplomat, poet, and businessman, Barlow's contributions transcended national borders, leaving indelible marks on both America and the international stage.

The Early Years

Joel Barlow was born on March 24, 1754, in Redding, Connecticut. Growing up in a humble farming family, Barlow demonstrated early signs of exceptional intellect and an insatiable appetite for knowledge. His thirst for learning led him to Yale College, where he pursued a classical education that laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

The Revolutionary Spirit

The American Revolution ignited a fire within Barlow, inspiring him to fight for freedom and justice. He enlisted in the Continental Army and served as a chaplain, using his words to uplift the spirits of weary soldiers. Barlow's experiences on the battlefield instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to contribute to the fledgling nation's future.

Joel Barlow: American Citizen in a Revolutionary World

by Richard . Buel(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1194 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	446 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Becoming a Renowned Poet

After the war, Joel Barlow turned to his passion for poetry to convey his ideas and beliefs. His epic poem, "The Vision of Columbus," served as a powerful ode to America's potential and received critical acclaim both domestically and abroad. Barlow's poetic prowess catapulted him into the literary circles of London and Paris, where he mingled with influential thinkers and furthered his intellectual pursuits.

A Diplomat of Extraordinary Caliber

Joel Barlow's talent for diplomacy soon attracted attention, leading to his appointment as the American consul to Algiers. In this role, he negotiated for the release of American prisoners held captive by Barbary pirates—an accomplishment that earned him accolades back home. Barlow's diplomatic successes continued as he played a vital role in negotiating the Treaty of Tripoli, solidifying peaceful relations between the United States and the Barbary States of North Africa.

A Visionary Businessman

Alongside his diplomatic endeavors, Joel Barlow displayed remarkable business acumen. He established the Scioto Land Company, aiming to facilitate land sales and settlements in the newly formed Northwest Territory. Although this venture faced setbacks and ultimately failed, it showcased Barlow's entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to promoting westward expansion and development.

A Revered Intellectual Legacy

Joel Barlow's intellectual contributions extended beyond his lifetime. In addition to his poetry and diplomatic endeavors, he authored controversial political and philosophical works that challenged societal norms and called for progressive reforms. His ideas exerted a profound influence on subsequent generations and continue to inspire thinkers and scholars to this day.

Joel Barlow, a true Renaissance man, embodied the spirit of his revolutionary era. His multifaceted career as a diplomat, poet, and businessman symbolized the limitless potential of an American citizen navigating a world in transition. Barlow's unwavering dedication to liberty, his pursuit of knowledge, and his relentless drive to contribute to society make him an enduring figure whose legacy echoes through the annals of American history.

Joel Barlow: American Citizen in a Revolutionary World

by Richard . Buel(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1194 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	446 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

An in-depth look at the life and times of the early American poet and polemicist.

Poet, republican, diplomat, and entrepreneur, Joel Barlow filled many roles and registered impressive accomplishments. In the first biography of this fascinating figure in decades, Richard Buel Jr. recounts the life of a man more intimately connected to the Age of Revolution than perhaps any other American.

Barlow was a citizen of the revolutionary world, and his adventures throughout the United States and Europe during both the American and French Revolutions are numerous and notorious. From writing his epic poem, The Vision of Columbus, to plotting a republican revolution in Britain to negotiating the release of American sailors taken captive by Barbary pirates, Joel Barlow personified the true spirit of the tumultuous times in which he lived.

No one witnessed more climactic events or interacted with more significant people than Joel Barlow. His unique vision, his unfailing belief in republicanism, and his entrepreneurial spirit drove him to pursue the revolutionary ideal in a way more emblematic of the age than the lives of many of its prominent heroes.

In telling Barlow’s story, Buel explores the cultural landscape of the early American republic and engages the broader themes of the Age of Revolution. Few books explore in such a comprehensive fashion the political, economic, ideological, diplomatic, and technological dimensions of this defining moment in world history.

“No earlier biographer has given nearly as detailed and rich a portrait of Barlow’s perhaps singularly expansive role in the cultural life, commerce, politics, and intrigue of the age of revolution.” —TheGuardian (UK)