Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) was an American poet. Although cheerful and outgoing as a youngster, she became more melancholy and withdrawn as she grew older. By the time she was in her 20s, Dickinson had become a recluse, seldom leaving her family home and talking to visitors behind a closed door. She made little effort to publish her work, preferring to share her poems through correspondence with family and friends. It was only after her death, when her younger sister discovered over 1800 of Dickinson’s poems, would the full breadth of her talent be appreciated.