Joyce Kilmer Literary Autograph Letter Signed (ALS)

Previously for sale by Princeton Historic Documents, Inc.

Email Stuart Lutz

Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918). Kilmer, a New Jersey born poet, best remembered for "Trees", also published The Circus and Other Essays and Summer of Love. He was killed during World War I.

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ALS. 1p. 8" x 10". New York. Feb 11, 1910. An unusual autograph letter signed "Joyce" to his friend "Russell" (possibly B. Russell Hertz). The poet, who was only twenty-three and had not yet published his first volume at the time, wrote:

Dear Russell, I have not yet received the play and book of verses which you have issued. Lewissohn's poems came, but nothing else. You know, I gave you a standing order for everything you ever printed - might print. And stop in, someday. I hear that you have met the amusing Eric Bell - isn't he lovely? Yours fraternally, Joyce - $18 for one poem! How's that? A very wise old man - a minister - just told me you were named Calapogon.

Handwritten Kilmer material is hard to come by, since he died at such a young age. A letter with poetry content (as opposed to a simple "I cannot make it for dinner tonight") is very desirable. Ludwig Lewissohn (1882-1955) was a famous Jewish novelist and essayist, best known for Up Stream, Israel and The Answer: The Jew and the World. Lewissohn, Hertz, and Bell are mentioned in letters from Joyce Kilmer to his mother, which are included in Kenton Kilmer's book Memories of My Father, Joyce Kilmer. The mention of his pay of $18 for a poem, especially for a struggling poet who was not yet recognized, makes for fine content. Kilmer wrote this on the letterhead of "Funk & Wagnalls Company", for whom he was working at the time. The letter is in fine condition and penned in purple and red inks. There is a small piece of tape on the front and a couple on the back, and a small hole just to the left of the signature, but these do not affect any text. A fine letter by an outstanding poet. - Stuart Lutz (edited)

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