Description:

Masters Edgar

Edgar Lee Masters archive, author of "Spoon River Anthology"


Archive, circa 1926-1927, relating to Midwestern writer Edgar Lee Masters (1868-1950), including 3 TLS and 5 postal covers. The archive contains 5 signatures as "E.L. Masters", one set of initials as "E.L.M.", and 50+ words inscribed in his hand. 8.5" x 11" pages in very good to near fine condition, with expected paper folds, chipped edges, and isolated rust impressions. Postal covers bear postmarked stamps of various denominations; some covers have been trimmed and show signs of light soiling.


Most of the archive relates to correspondence between Masters, already an established poet in 1926, and an educator from Philadelphia named Sharpless Dodson Green. Green regularly requested autographs from notable musicians, politicians, authors, and scientists of the day.


The archive includes a 1p TLS on embossed "Edgar Lee Masters" letterhead signed by Masters as "E.L. Masters" at center. On November 19, 1927, Masters wrote: "It is very gratifying to me that you have such an interest in my books; but if you want one book which contains many poems from all my volumes, besides some new poems which have not appeared yet in any other book, get SElected [sic] Poems (Macmillan) and there you will find them." Selected Poems had been published by The Macmillan Company in 1925.


Also including two letters signed and annotated by Masters. First, in response to Green's request to autograph one of his books, a 1p TLS dated December 31, 1926 from S.D. Green pencil inscribed and initialed by Masters at center: "The books never came - E.L.M." Second, in response to Green's query regarding a shipment of books, a 1p TLS dated March 13, 1927 from S.D. Green pencil inscribed and signed by Masters at bottom: "Your books didn't reach me either. So sorry. E.L. Masters, 15 Gramercy Park, N.Y.C."


The archive contains three brown paper postal covers inscribed overall and signed by Masters as "E.L. Masters" in the return address, and sent from The Players Club in New York City to Green in Philadelphia. Covers feature two 8 cent green U.S. Grant stamps and four 2 cent red George Washington stamps, all postmarked. In addition, two brown paper postal covers inscribed overall by Masters and addressed to an insurance executive in Philadelphia, featuring a one 7 cent black William McKinley stamp and one 8 cent green U.S. Grant stamp, both postmarked.


Edgar Lee Masters was an attorney, poet, novelist, and biographer who drew national attention after the publication of his scandalous Spoon River Anthology in 1915. Inspired by Masters' childhood experiences in Western Illinois, this collection of poems described the checkered lives of small town residents. During the time when Masters and Green exchanged these letters, Masters had just published Lee: A Dramatic Poem.


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