The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 02, No. 10, August, 1858 A Magazine of Literature, Art, and Politics

Delving into the curious history of the English laureate, this essay unfurls a lively investigation of the ancient laurel’s symbolic journey from Chaucer’s medieval court to the celebrated poets of the nineteenth century. The author blends literary curiosity with a touch of natural history, questioning why the laurel was chosen as the poet’s crown and how its mythic origins have been tangled with fact and folklore over the centuries.

The narrative charts the succession of laureates in distinct eras—mythical, dramatic, lyrical, and voluntary—offering vivid snapshots of figures such as Chaucer, Jonson, Dryden, and Tennyson. Along the way, it raises tantalizing questions about forgotten traditions, the reliability of old records, and the plant’s own storied reputation. Listeners will be drawn into a scholarly yet accessible tour of poetry’s regal heritage, perfect for anyone fascinated by the intertwining of literature, legend, and the enduring allure of the evergreen laurel.