Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an American poet and educator who lived from 1807 to 1882. He is best known for his lyric poems and for popularizing literary works such as "Paul Revere's Ride," "The Song of Hiawatha," and "Evangeline." Longfellow's poetry often reflected his love for nature, his interest in history, and his deep sense of moral and spiritual values. He was also a professor at Harvard University and played a significant role in shaping the American literary landscape during the 19th century.