William Gilmore Simms
American writer (1806-1870) · United States · On the map · Writers · Died at 64
William Gilmore Simms was a poet, novelist, politician and historian from the American South. His writings achieved great prominence during the 19th century, with Edgar Allan Poe pronouncing him the best novelist America had ever produced.
William Gilmore Simms is read about 32 times a day, in 16 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 5 October 2026
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About this person
He is still known among literary scholars as a major force in antebellum Southern literature. He is also remembered for his strong support of slavery and for his opposition to Uncle Tom's Cabin, in response to which he wrote reviews and the pro-slavery novel The Sword and the Distaff (1854). During his literary career he served as editor of several journals and newspapers and he also served in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
