Astraea

Astraea: The Balance of Illusions is a poem delivered by Oliver Wendell Holmes before the Phi Beta Kappa Society of Yale College on August 14, 1850. This work captures the literary and intellectual spirit of mid-19th century America, reflecting on themes of knowledge, illusion, and the pursuit of truth. Holmes, a prominent figure in American literature and medicine, brings his characteristic wit and insight to this poetic exploration. This edition offers readers a glimpse into the academic and cultural landscape of the time, showcasing Holmes’s elegant verse and thoughtful contemplation. 'Astraea' stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to engage with complex ideas and inspire generations.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.