William Gilmore Simms was born on April 17, 1806, in Charleston, South Carolina. His father was William Simms, a planter and officer in the American Revolutionary War. Simms began his education at the private schools in Charleston before attending the College of South Carolina (now the University of South Carolina). He later worked as a clerk in a drug store before deciding to pursue a career in law.
Despite beginning his law studies at the age of eighteen, Simms soon discovered that his true passion lay in writing. He published his first book of poetry, Lyrical and Other Poems, in 1827. This marked the beginning of his literary career, which would span over four decades.
Simms published a wide range of works, including The Yemassee, Vasconselos, and The Cassique of Kiawah. However, his most popular work would become The Partisan, a novel set during the Revolutionary War in South Carolina. In addition to his novels, Simms also wrote essays, reviews, and histories, establishing himself as a prominent figure in American literature.
Simms was known for his strong support of slavery, a controversial stance that would shape much of his writing. He vehemently opposed Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, which criticized the institution of slavery. Simms's views on race and slavery would continue to influence his work throughout his career.
In 1826, Simms married Anna Malcolm Giles, with whom he would have several children. Despite his literary success, Simms faced financial difficulties throughout his life, leading him to constantly struggle with debt. Simms's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the deaths of several of his children at a young age.
Simms's work has had a lasting impact on American literature, particularly in the Southern literary tradition. His writing explored themes of race, class, and history, offering a nuanced perspective on the antebellum South. Despite his controversial views, Simms's contributions to American letters have been recognized by scholars and literary critics alike.
Edgar Allan Poe once praised Simms's work, highlighting his skill as a storyteller and his unique voice in American literature. Simms's legacy continues to be studied and celebrated for his contributions to Southern literature and his exploration of complex social issues.