The epic poem Evangeline is a superb example of romantic poetry and a masterpiece of world literature. The publication of Evangeline represented a "milestone in the awakening of the collective consciousness of the Acadian people. By lifting Acadie out of the forgotten past, Longfellow honoured the courage and tenacity of the Acadians." This new edition of the classic text includes a critical introduction from scholars Sally Ross and Barbara LeBlanc. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow