MARGARET DELAND and ANNIE ADAMS FIELDS

Deland has handwritten, inscribed and signed her well-known poem, "Affaire d'Amour." Fields has dated her signature on verso 1892

Autograph Poem inscribed and signed: "Copied by Margaret Deland for Ashton Carr", 7¼x4½. The first stanza of her 3-verse poem, "Affaire d'Amour", better known as "One Pale November Day." Pencil date (unknown hand): Nov. 27, 1891. Also signed on verso: "Annie Fields/Dec. 10th 1892".  American novelist, short story writer and poet MARGARET DELAND (1857-1945) was best known for her 1888 novel, John Ward, Preacher, and for her "Old Chester" books, which were based on her early memories of Maple Grove and Manchester, Pennsylvania (her uncle, who lived in Manchester, was the model for the fictional "Old Chester"). Her first book, The Old Garden and Other Verses (1886), was her only volume of poetry (her first poem had been published in "Harper's" magazine); Deland also published a two-volume autobiography. In addition to her literary endeavors, Deland also became involved with the plight of unwed mothers; she and her husband Lorin Deland took in some 60 women and infants in the space of four years. Her poem "Affaire d'Amour" first appeared in The Old Garden and Other Verses (1887), and was reprinted in several anthologies. ANNIE ADAMS FIELDS (1834-1915) was also a published poet, but was better known for her biographies, including one on Harriet Beecher Stowe. Married to influential Boston publisher James T. Fields, she knew most of the great literary figures of her time, especially the Bostonians. Her essays on these literary figures were collected as Authors and Friends (1896). After her husband's death she lived with poet Sarah Jewett Orne, whose letters she edited. Pencil date (unknown hand) at upper right corner. Edges toned and worn. Otherwise, fine condition.