ROCKWELL KENT

(1882-1971) American artist and author born in New York. He did his first significant work at Monhegan Island, Maine.

Typed Letter Signed, on his "Ausable Forks" imprinted stationery, 4to, Ausable Forks, NY. March 20, 1949.

Kent writes a discerning letter identifying the poems which "roused" in him a "deep emotion." to an English professor about verses he illustrated. "With the exception of 'The Hunting of the Snark,' the 'Bab Ballads,' and such things which I have over and over again thoroughly enjoyed, I must say that 'enjoyment' is not the term for the deep emotion...that greater poetry has roused in me, I am not telling you what poems I have enjoyed, but what poems have most moved me...." He continues to reply to his correspondent's request to suggest a poem for a book. "...there is little sense in mentioning "The Odyssey,' or even 'The Ancient Mariner,'...his final words to the Wedding Guest, beginning, 'Farewell, farewell, But this I tell....'and continuing to the end. These last stanzas, following all the poem that has preceded, are to me a deeply moving and convincing a creed for living as I know...." He signs above the typed name, "Rockwell Kent." Fine insight into Kent's literary tastes. Paper clip rust stain on verso shows slightly on upper left margin.

Though Kent is better associated with his illustrations for Melville's "Moby Dick" and Voltaire's "Candide," his corespondent has apparently made an intriguing request of the artist that he consider his illustrations for "Bab Ballads" by W. S. Gilbert, and Lewis Carroll's "Hunting the Snark."

Item #2529

Price: $250.00