Lot 432
Kilmer, Joyce (1886-1918) American writer and poet best remembered for the poem, "Trees." Autograph letter signed ("Joyce Kilmer"), 1 page, on The New York Times letterhead, New York n.d. [April 1917]. To Burton Egbert Stevenson, author and anthologist, probably concerning Stevenson's edition of The Home Book of Verse: "I am perfectly willing for you to quote the Belloc poems, but I suggest that you get the permission of Laurence Gomme….I suppose the Mr. Dolben about whom you ask is Digby Dolben, a precocious genius who died at the age of 20, having written some of the most beautiful Catholic poetry of modern times. He was a first cousin of Robert Bridges, the Laureate…. You can easily obtain [biographical details] by writing to Dolben's cousin…Gerald Dolben Paul, British Consulate General, New Orleans… How is the War going in Chillicothe? I'm drilling 10 hours a week - Officers Training Corps - and expect to go into camp at Ft. Hamilton on May first. Not much time for poetry!" With a holograph draft of a poem titled "To My Mother," 1 page, 11 x 8½ in. In pencil, with numerous corrections. Kilmer was a member of Columbia University's illustrious Philolexian Society. He was deployed to France during World War I and was killed by a sniper's bullet at the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
Sotheby's New York, Dec 10, 1993, lot 414.
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| Realized $781 |
