JEAN STARR UNTERMEYER - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 11/14/1926 - HFSID 273202

JEAN STARR UNTERMEYER. ALS: "Jean Starr Untermeyer/(Mrs. L. Untermeyer)", 4p, 5½x7, conjoined leaves. New York City, 1926 November 14. On her personal imprinted stationery to "My dear Mr. Stahl". In full: "Your letter to me, dated Oct. 28 - was delayed in transit (I was in Europe & it followed me there and back) Before I could definitely answer its contents, I would ask you kindly to explain your ideas a little more fully. Do I understand you to wish me to come to Chicago for a dinner or luncheon? May I know what would be the probable number of guests and drawn from what sources? What I would be expected to say - on what subject and for how long a time? Had you contemplated that I would read my poems over the radio? And may I ask if your custom is to pay travelling (sic) expenses or any remuneration? Frankly your letter, while flattering in its phraseology escapes being specific and I am puzzled to know its exact intent. The names Herbert [illegible] & Stuart P. Sherman are too well-known to need comment, but probably because I lead, for the most part, a retired literary life, I am not acquainted with the activities of the Allied Art. Ass. - I thank you for your interest & I await your answer. Very sincerely". STUART P. SHERMAN (1881-1926) was a noted author who wrote such works as Diogenes of the Victorians and The George Sand-Gustave Flaubert Letters. Sherman, who also wrote short stories and contributed a number of articles to such magazines as "The Nation", served as a Professor of English at the University of Illinois. This letter was written the year that Sherman died. JEAN STARR UNTERMEYER (1886-1970) was married to poet LOUIS UNTERMEYER from 1907 until their divorce in 1925; the couple later remarried, but divorced again in 1951. It was Louis who encouraged his wife to publish her poetry, and her first volume of poems, Growing Pains, was published in 1918. Her other works include Dreams Out of Darkness (1921) and Steep Ascent (1927). Untermeyer also wrote book reviews for "The Saturday Review" and "The New York Times" as well as other publications, and she translated a number of works, including The Death of Virgil (1945). Beginning in the 1930s, Untermeyer taught at writers' conferences, and she was also a popular lecturer. Untermeyer published her autobiography, Private Collections, in 1965. Lightly creased with folds, not at signature. Slightly chipped at blank right edge of first page. Ink smudged at some words, show through of ink (all legible). Lightly soiled. Staple holes touch some words. Overall, fine condition.