Call Number:

C1035

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 2 boxes
• 0.8 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Citations should be as follows: Edgar Lee Masters Collection, Box #, Folder #, Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1915-1983 (inclusive)

Creator:

Princeton University. Library. Special Collections and Masters, Edgar Lee, 1868-1950.

Form:

Correspondence -- 20th century, Manuscripts--20th century., and photographs -- 20th century

Abstract:

Consists of selected correspondence, manuscripts, and photographs of noted American poet Edgar Lee Masters.

Edgar Lee Masters, American poet, novelist, and biographer, is best known as the author of the Spoon River Anthology (1915). Born in Garnett, Kansas, in 1868, he maintained a successful law practice in Chicago, Illinois, from 1892 to 1920, and made his debut as a poet in 1898 with A Book of Verse. After retiring from practicing law, he devoted himself entirely to writing. He died in Philadelphia on March 5, 1950.

The collection consists of miscellaneous material by and about Masters: correspondence, typescripts of poetry, a photo album (1983) with comments by Alice Davis Tibbetts, an autograph manuscript by John Cowper Powys titled "The Real Edgar Lee Masters," and a copy of the 100th anniversary booklet of the Chelsea Hotel which contains a poem by Masters. There are also two versions, with holograph corrections, of Masters' poem "Let Us Build America Again." Correspondents include Ernest Briggs, Edwina Stanton Babcock, Harry Barnard, Gertrude Boatwright Claytor, Emory Holloway, Frank Prentice Rand, and Irita Taylor Van Doren. Also includes an original charcoal portrait of Edgar Lee Masters by Walter Tittle.

Arranged by accession number.