Archive Of Frances Dickenson Pinder, Roaring Twenties Poet

FRANCES DICKENSON PINDER (1879-1956) was a well-respected poet whose work was mostly published in the 1920’s. Her notable works included “Shallows,” “Marsh Pools,” “Sea Marsh,” “Frost,” and “Inland from Jupiter,” and she was published in American Poetry Magazine, New Republic, Contemporary Verse, North American Review, and other noted poetry publications. This archive consists of her letters and poetry, predominantly sent to her friend and confidant, Hazeltine Whitney, between 1923 and 1928. The archive consists of eleven letters (some undated), nine postcards or envelopes addressed to Hazeltine Whitney, and fourteen copies of assorted poetry by Pinder to Whitney. Notable items in the archive conclude: a. TLS. 3 pg. 6” x 10”. March 24, 1922. N.p. A typed letter signed by “Frances Dickenson Pinder” to “My dear Hazeltine”: “If I may so call you—Our acquaintance, though brief, being based on realities sems to seek every simplicity…I have just read our lesson for the day in ‘the little book,’ and find it particularly lovely. From it, my thoughts went to your note from St. Augustine…I wondered if the peculiar charm of it is not due to the rare personality it emanates, touched with the loveliness of the lesson. It moved me very much, your note…Mother has departed on a round of visits, to last several weeks, and all day I am alone. There are so many things crowding in my mind, I scarcely know which to begin on – two short stories, plots all ready; a long poem which will require a great deal of study; and several short ones. My ‘subconscious’ is maturing work faster than conditions provide time for…I wonder if you mind my writing you on the type-writer? I write all but my most formal correspondence so, because my thoughts, in my writing, are so accustomed to flow out on the typewriter, that the medium is become tyrannous. I am more easily and unconsciously myself on the type-writer. Composing to the typewriter does not sound in the least poetic, but it is reasonable – you get the thought in all its proportions better in the printed line. I find that always I write a longer letter than if I write in ‘long-hand’ – perhaps just an idea of mine. And now I shall close – this very long letter for a first letter – but I feel that I know you so well. I am enclosing a copy of a poem I think you’ll like…It has not yet been published – just written and submitted to the Fortnightly Review, London – s that this copy is just for you, and your sister, if she would like to see it”. The letter then concludes with her poem, “Assurance.” This letter, the first in a series of letters to Miss Whitney, reveals the quick establishment of their friendship and the trust placed in the former by the latter. Pinder’s habit to send unpublished poetry to Whitney would be frequently repeated. b. TDS. 1 pg. 5” x 7”. N.d. N.p. A typed document signed by “Frances Dickenson Pinder” to “Dear Hazeltine”: “See how your sweet name lends Its lyric measure to a sonnet’s use! – Though that alone, howbeit fair excuse, Would scarce content you, bent to subtlest ends of novel imagery to make amends for deeper luck…” This undated Christmas card is a sonnet from Pinder to Whitney, revealing the playful nature of our friendship and Pinder’s skill as a poet. c. TD. 1 pg. 8” x 10”. N.d. N.p. A typed poem written by “Frances Dickenson Pinder” as a “Copy for Hazeltine”. The poem is Pinder’s “Don Christoval,” and includes the following note from Pinder to Whitney: “Does this poem seem too fragmentary? – it seems to me that historic emphasis should be accurate but secondary – I have tried to capture the attitude of those events so many ‘stars away.’ Do you and your sister agree? Of course this is for you two only”. This note reveals the trust Pinder placed in Whitney to help her, and the fact that there is no evidence the poem was ever published indicates that Whitney may have agreed with Pinder’s concerns. Other than some minor tears and folds, the items in this archive are in fine condition.