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American writer (1886–1918), best known for the much-anthologized poem Trees; he was killed at the Second Battle of Marne at the age of 31. Remarkable archive comprising two books signed by Joyce Kilmer—an inscribed first edition of Trees and Other Poems and the multi-signed limited edition of The Younger Choir—plus correspondence related to their publication, and an autograph manuscript of Kilmer's "Poets."
- Signed book: Trees and Other Poems. First edition. NY: George H. Doran Company, 1914. Hardcover, 5.5 x 8, 75 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page in ink, "This little birthday gift comes to Miss Helen Francis Doyle from Salomon de la Selva, But it carries the good wishes of Joyce Kilmer, New York City, April 5, 1915." Autographic condition: fine, with light soiling to the margin of the signed page. Book condition: VG-/None, with wear to the spine's paper label, chips to the bottom of the spine, and a partially cracked front hinge.
- Signed book: The Younger Choir. First edition, limited issue, numbered 14/500 [with only the first 50 autographed]. NY: Moods Publishing Company, 1910. Signed throughout by the editor, Edwin Markham, and more than twenty contributors. including Joyce Kilmer, Louis Untermeyer, Elsa Barker, George W. Cronyn, Herbert Everett, Adelaide Wood Guthrie, B. Russell Herts, Reginald Wright Kauffman, Ludwig Lewisohn, Otto S. Mayer, Philip Moeller, James Oppenheim, Seumas O'Sheel, Muriel Rice, Jessie E. Sampter, Herman Scheffauer, Edwin Davies Schoonmaker, Charles Hanson Towne, George Sylvester Viereck, Thomas Walsh, and Carlos S. Wuppermann. Also signed on the first free end page with a lengthy presentation inscription, "These poems were collected by Mr. Markham & myself from among the youngest poets of six years ago. About half a dozen of the poems have since appeared in more imposing anthologies, while a dozen of the poets have issued volumes of their own. This copy was sent about the country for as many signatures as were available. B. Russell Herts, 1915." Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG-/None, with edgewear, bumped corners, toning, and scuffing to boards.
- TLS signed "Edwin Markham," one page, October 5, 1909, to George Sylvester Viereck. In part: "As you know, I am a warm admirer of your best work; and it is only your best work that should go into 'The Younger Choir.' Now I know you will pardon me, if I say that your 'Golden Boy' (pleasing as it is in some ways) is not expressive of your genius at full flower. Now, can't you send me some other pieces of your verse? Include, if possible, your 'Owl,' whose hootings were so agreeable to our ears that gala night." Viereck's poems 'Ode to a Parrot' and 'Iron Passion' would ultimately appear in the anthology.
- ALS signed "Joyce Kilmer," one page, November 5, 1909, to Edwin Markham. In part: "I am enclosing for your approval or disapproval or disapproval some verses for insertion in The Younger Choir. Comrade Hertz told me that you had selected my imitation of Richepin's 'Ballade du Roi des Gueux.' I am naturally eager to have more of my work in the volume—especially to have the poem representing me a more sincere and original effort than the Ballade." Kilmer's poems 'Ballade of My Lady's Beauty' and 'George Meredith' were chosen for publication in The Younger Choir.
- AMS in pencil, Signed "Joyce Kilmer," one page, no date. Kilmer's handwritten manuscript for "Poets," in full: "Vain is the chiming of forgotten bells / That the wind sways above a ruined shrine / Vainer his voice in whom no longer dwells / Hunger that craves immortal bread and wine. / Light songs we breathe that perish with our own breath / Out of our lips that have not kissed the rod, / They shall not live who have not tasted death / They only sing who are struck dumb by God."
- ALS signed "Joyce," one page, Funk & Wagnalls Company letterhead, February 11, 1910, to "Russell." In part: "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 might print…$18 for one poem! How's that?"
- ALS signed "Joyce Kilmer," one page, June 13, 1915, to "Mr. Stevenson." In part: "Appended is a clipping of the correct version of 'Trees.' The proof of the poem was sent to me by Henry Holt, and I revised it, but I am sending you this clipping in case you should in future have further occasion to quote the poem. I asked Holt to credit it to my book 'Trees and Other Poems' (Geroge H. Doran Co.) By the way, have you a copy of this book? If not, I'll gladly send you one. I am glad you are quoting 'Trees.' The Home Book of Verse is on my desk as I write—I use it as regularly as I use my dictionary, and it is a constant delight." The corrected poem clipping is affixed in the upper right corner.
- TLS signed "Joyce Kilmer," one page, New York Times letterhead, February 5, 1916, to "Dr. Skrainka." In part: "If you are in town, you must by all means come to the Fifth Avenue Restaurant…and eat and drink with us, and say something about 'Dickens and the Doctors' or anything else you feel like talking about. I always enjoy the Interstate Medical Journal, and I hope that you will not think that I am lessening its dignity in saying that it is a scientific journal which even the unscientific can enjoy."
All are housed in a handsome custom-made full morocco clamshell case. The letters are in overall fine condition.
