Collection ID: LMC 2242
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Untermeyer, Louis, 1885-1977.
Abstract:
The Untermeyer mss. III, 1917-1977, consists of the papers and correspondence of author Louis Untermeyer, 1885-1977.
Extent:
5 Boxes (3 standard, 2 custom)
Language:
Materials are in English .
Preferred citation:

[Item], Untermeyer mss. III, Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Louis Untermeyer, 1885-1977, was an American author, poet, and anthologist. He was born on October 1, 1885 in New York City. Untermeyer published his first book of poetry, First Love, in 1911, and he would go on to publish over 100 books, including several volumes of his own poetry. He also compiled several anthologies, including "Modern American Poetry and Modern British Poetry"(1969). These anthologies were used by schools throughout the twentieth century to introduce students to poetry. Untermeyer's other works included a large number of books for children and books which drew on his friendships with notable literary figures such as Robert Frost and Ezra Pound. In 1950, Untermeyer became a panelist on the game show What's My Line?. However, he was removed from the show in 1951 due to disapproval from anti-communist groups. He had previously expressed support for social protest in his 1914 poetry collection Challenge, and he was also investigated by the House Un-American Activities Committee. From 1961 to 1963, Untermeyer served as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. He died on December 18, 1977.

Scope and Content:

The Untermeyer mss. III, 1917-1977, are the papers of Louis Untermeyer, 1885-1977, author, poet, and anthologist. The early part of the correspondence consists of two letters, for 1917 and 1928; the bulk of the letters begins in 1945 and extends through 1977. They refer to the All India Writers' Conference and other conferences, the blacklisting of writers, the celebration of Untermeyer's 80th and 85th birthdays, the presentation of the letters of Robert Frost to Untermeyer to the Library of Congress in 1963, the protest of the writers against the Vietnamese Conflict, and the publication of several books.

The writings, which include collected materials concerning the blacklisting of writers, conference materials, interviews, lectures and speeches, poems and prose, projects, and scripts for Voice of America, range from 1924 to 1977. Some of these are: The Best Humor Annual, Burning Bush, Bygones, The Changing Voices of America (lectures at Kyoto, Japan), Haiku, How to Hate Poetry in One Easy Lesson, How to Kill a Poem (lecture at Suffield Conference), How to Misunderstand Poetry without Really Trying, Marionettes, On the Birth of a Child, On the Eve of New Wars, Music Tour on the Renaissance (diary), The Poets Speak (for Voice of America), Response to The People's Almanac poll on Utopia, Said I to Myself..., These Bones, and This is Christmas. A bibliographical folder notes titles by year of publication, 1919-1955 and copies sold to June 30, 1959.

Thirteen photographs are filed with the letters and writings, 1961-1965.

Printed materials include biographical clippings, 1917-1978; scrapbooks of poems, 1907-1922 and 1924-1963; prose, 1932-1976; reviews or promotional clippings for Untermeyer's writings, 1917-1965; and clippings reporting his 80th birthday celebration, 1965.

Note on Indexing Term - "Radio": "The Poets Speak: Radio Scripts for Voice of America" written by Untermeyer is present in the collection.

Note on Indexing Term - "Labor unions and socialism": Includes collected materials concerning the blacklisting of writers.

Note on Indexing Term - "Travel": Of interest is a 1973 diary of a music tour on the "Renaissance" (Paquet Line).

Acquisition information:
Acquired: 1978, 1983
Arrangement:

The collection is organized into the following series: I. Biographical; II. Correspondence; III. Writings; IV. Printed.

Physical location:
ALF (Auxiliary Library Facility)

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open for research.

Many collections are housed offsite; retrieval requires advance notice. Please make an appointment a minimum of one week in advance of your visit.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Untermeyer mss. III, Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
1200 East Seventh Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
(812) 855-2452
liblilly@indiana.edu