The LOC.GOV Wise Guide : A Bard in the White House?

Several United States presidents—perhaps better known for the task of, you know, running the country—through the ages have put pen to paper for more than just speeches and congressional documents. From verses on love to religion, poetry seemed to be an outlet for expression that several commanders-in-chief privately shared.

John Tyler: 10th president of the United States, between 1835 and 1856

John Quincy Adams, President of the United States / painted by T. Sully; eng. by A.B. Durand, Oct. 6, 1826

One of the many bibliographies produced by the Digital Reference Team of the Library of Congress, a guide to the Library’s poetry resources, highlights presidents as poets. Espousing the talents of such statesmen as John Tyler, John Quincy Adams and Jimmy Carter, among others, the site features poetry selections found in the Library’s American Memory collections.

For you poetry enthusiasts out there in need of some action from this century’s wordsmiths, the Library has quite a full season, including readings by former Poet Laureate Maxine Kumin and Pulitzer Prize finalist Henri Cole. For a complete list of poetry events, check out the Library’s Poetry and Literature Center. The site also features poetry-related Web casts and information on poet laureates past and present.

A. John Tyler: 10th president of the United States, between 1835 and 1856. Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction information: Reproduction No.: LC-USZC2-2715 (color film copy slide); Call No.: PGA - Currier & Ives--John Tyler: 10th... (A size) [P&P]

B. John Quincy Adams, President of the United States / painted by T. Sully; eng. by A.B. Durand, Oct. 6, 1826. SUMMARY: John Q. Adams, full-length portrait, seated in library, facing slightly right, holding book. Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction No.: LC-USZ62-7574 (b&w film copy neg.); Call No.: FP - XIX - D948, no. 2 (C size) [P&P]