James M. Nack (January 4, 1809 – September 23, 1879) was a deaf American poet.
James M. Nack | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 4, 1809 |
| Died | September 23, 1879 (aged 70) |
| Education | Collegiate School (New York City), New York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb |
| Occupation | deaf American poet |
| Known for | maybe the first book published in the United States by a deaf man |
| Notable work | The Legend of the Rocks, And Other Poems |
| Spouse |
Martha W. Simon (m. 1838) |
| Children | daughters |
In 1809, Nack was born in New York City to a poor family. Unable to afford school, Nack was taught by his sister and attended The Collegiate School (New York City) through the Dutch Reformed Church.[1] Nack started reading at age four and was starting to write poetry at age 8. At age nine, Nack experienced a traumatic brain injury falling down a flight of stairs. After several weeks in a coma, Nack woke and was deaf.[2] Later Nack lost his speech as well.
Despite his disabilities, Nack continued to write. At age 12, he authored a play.[2]
Nack attended the New York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb in Manhattan from 1818 until 1823. One of Nack's poems, The Blue-Eyed Maid, got the attention of Abraham Asten, clerk of the city and county of New York. Asten gave Nack a job in the clerk's office where James became an assistant. Nack was able to spend long periods of time reading in Asten's personal library.[2]
In 1827, Nack published The Legend of the Rocks, And Other Poems , the first of several volumes of poetry. This may have been the first book published in the United States by a deaf man.[2] During this time, Nack also contributed poems to the New York Mirror.[3]
Nack wrote mainly about family life and his daughters. He also wrote translations in French, German, and Dutch.[3]
Nack married Martha W. Simon in 1838.
Principal works edit
- The Legend of the Rocks, And Other Poems 1827
- An Ode on the Proclamation of President Jackson 1833
- Earl Rupert and Other Tales and Poems 1839
- The Immortal: A Dramatic Romance and Other Poems 1850
- The Romance of the Ring and Other Poems 1859
References edit
- ^ History of the School of the Dutch Reformed Church of New York City, Henry Webb Dunshee, Google Books
- ^ a b c d Livi, Jude. "James M. Nack: dawn of another New-Year". Jude Livi's Blog. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
- ^ a b Richards, Penny L. "January 4: James Nack (1809-1879)". Disability Studies: Temple U.
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- "Nack, James M." American Authors 1600–1900 The H. W. Wilson Company, New York, 1938