William Austin (poet)

William Austin (1778–1841) was an American lawyer and author, known primarily for his essays and short stories published in the New England Galaxy and later collected in the volume Letters from London.

Born in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, Austin graduated from Harvard College in 1798 and pursued a legal career. He served in the Massachusetts state legislature and held various public offices. However, he is best remembered for his literary contributions.

Austin's writings often satirized social customs and offered insightful commentary on human nature. Letters from London (1836) is a collection of fictional letters written by a supposed American in London, offering observations on British society. He also penned several other works, including essays and short stories focusing on New England life and history. While not a prolific or widely renowned poet, he occasionally included verse in his prose works. His style is generally considered witty and observant, reflecting a keen understanding of the society around him.