He entered Bowdoin College at the age of fourteen, graduating in 1825.

During the latter part of his student life there he began to show a considerable literary bent.

Shortly after graduating from Bowdoin, Longfellow was elected Professor of Modern Languages in that institution.

Before entering upon his work, he spent three years in study and travel in Europe, returning to America in 1829.

For five and one-half years he taught in Bowdoin, during which time he began serious work as an author.