Description
RARE SIGNED LETTER BY THE DEVOUT CATHOLIC POET SOLDIER WHO WAS FAMOUS FOR HIS POEM “TREES” AND WAS KILLED AT THE AGE OF 31 AT THE SECOND BATTLE OF MARNE DURING WWI
JOYCE KILMER (1886-1918) TYPED LETTER SIGNED, “Joyce Kilmer”, 1 pg., 8.5 x 11, May 18, 1916, on The New York Times letterhead, New York, by the American writer and poet who gained immense popularity in 1913 with the publication of his best known poem, “Trees”, which was later published in book format the following year in a collection which also introduced the popular poem “The House With Nobody In It”. The letter in Part: “…I have heard, of course, of the Art Alliance of America, but until I read the circulars you sent me I did not have a clear idea of its work. Certainly it seems to be a much-needed institution, and I think that an article describing its purposes and methods would be interesting….” In 1912 Kilmer became a special writer for the New York Times Review of Books and the New York Times Sunday Magazine and was often engaged in lecturing especially to Catholic audiences. In his time he was known as the laureate of the Catholic Church. In April 1917, a few days after the United States entered WWI, Kilmer enlisted in the Seventh Regiment of the New York National Guard and was assigned to “The Fighting 69th” and a snipers bullet later killed him. For his valor he was posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Republic. In fine condition, with the usual letter folds, a few minor creases, and two small edge tears.
$595 #12827Z11R
