Description:

John Reed
n.p., ca. 1915-1920
John Reed Signed Poem "De Profundo", Possibly Unpublished
MS
Two handwritten pages of the poem "De Profundo", signed by John Reed. 2pp, measuring 8.5" x 11", n.p., n.d. [ca. 1915-1920]. Written on unlined paper and signed "Reed." The poem is possibly unpublished, as no records of it have been found. The paper bears the watermark reading "Persian bond." Moderate toning to both pages and minor foxing. Flattened folds with some small separations at folds. Boldly signed.

In part:

"up from the deep! Oh god - if
god there be,
so must I spring - hand in each
wretched hand
Heart to dead heart of these that
wear the brand -
The reckless, sightless drift of destiny…"

John Reed (1887-1920) was an American journalist, poet, and communist activist. He is best known for his coverage of the October Revolution in Petrograd, Russia, which he wrote about in his 1919 book Ten Days That Shook the World. Reed supported the Soviet takeover of Russia, even briefly taking up arms to join the Red Guards in 1918. He hoped for a similar Communist revolution in the United States, and co-founded the short-lived Communist Labor Party of America in 1919.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: MS

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