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The biography traces Lanier’s early years in Georgia, his experiences as a soldier during the American Civil War, and his subsequent battle with tuberculosis, which greatly impacted his health and life. Despite these challenges, Lanier’s love for music—he was an accomplished flutist—and literature guided his career. Mims explores Lanier's teaching positions, his performances as a musician, and his writings, particularly his poetry, which often reflected themes of nature, spirituality, and social justice.Mims places special emphasis on Lanier’s literary output, including his major works like The Marshes of Glynn and Song of the Chattahoochee. He discusses Lanier’s innovative use of musical rhythm in poetry, a characteristic that distinguished him from his contemporaries. Mims also highlights Lanier’s contributions to Southern literature and his efforts to elevate Southern culture through his advocacy of the arts.