DEEMS TAYLOR - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/08/1927 - HFSID 18813

DEEMS TAYLOR
Letter from the composer and screenwriter to "The Cyclopedia of American Biography" saying he would be more than happy to fill out a questionnaire for them if they can confirm that they are a legitimate organization, and not a for profit company
Typed letter signed: "Deems Taylor" as Editor, 1p, 8x11. New York, 1927 October 8. On letterhead of "Musical America" to Mr. Francis Clifford, The Cyclopedia of American Biography, New York, N.Y. In full: "Before filling out the questionnaire of the Cyclopedia of American Biography, which you were good enough to send me, may I ask for a frank answer to an equally frank question? Sometime ago, I compiled a similar biography for a work entitled the National Cyclopedia of American Biography, which I thought was a continuation of the old Appleton book. I now find that, not only is it apparently a publication to trade on the reputation of the former work, but that it is the sort of Who's Who that accepts money for the portraits that appear in its pages. Having just withdrawn my biography from the publication under rather disagreeable circumstances, I am writing to ask if you pursue a similar policy with regard to the publication which you publish. In case you do, I beg that you will say so as I have made it an iron-bound rule not to allow my name to be associated with reference books of this class, whatever may be the argument in their favor and a frank reply from you will be greatly appreciated by me, and will save time for both of us." Deems Taylor (1885-1966) was a composer, music critic, screenwriter, narrator for two Hollywood films and editor of "Musical America". He had more performances (30) of his works at New York's Metropolitan Opera than any of his contemporaries. His works performed there include The King's Henchman (1927) and Peter Ibbetson (1931). Taylor, who also wrote Cap'n Kidd & Co. (1908), The Echo (1909) and The Breath of Scandal, or The Mistress of the Seas (1916), also composed the music score for the feature film Janice Meredith in 1924. In 1940, he was the narrator for Walt Disney's Fantasia, and he served a similar function in 1947's Barber of Seville, an Italian language version of the opera for which he wrote the screenplay. In 1941, Deems appeared as himself in There's Magic in Music, a film about the prestigious National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan. Multiple folds. Lightly toned. Corners lightly worn and creased. Light surface creases. Staple holes in top left corner. Otherwise, fine condition.