Selected Poems [Signed Poetic Inscription] by Robert Frost

Selected Poems by Robert Frost

Publishing: 1934 Henry Holt and Company Third Edition

Two-line autograph poetic inscription, signed by Robert Frost in black ink on the title page of this 1934 third edition of Selected Poems. The volume contains pencil annotations by Smith College student Lee Deakins, recounting how she was taken by the author Marguerite Dixon Clarke (“Wind Free”) to Amherst to meet Robert Frost while he was teaching there. An additional annotation on the title page appears to have been written by someone close to Deakins, likely a friend or family member, noting the circumstances of the visit. Deakins records Frost signing her book, followed by Frost’s own handwritten poetic inscription; a brief verse from his poem “Spring Pools.” The couplet is a variant of the closing lines of that published poem, making this a notable autograph adaptation with clear accompanying provenance.

Autograph poetic inscription by Robert Frost (variant of lines from “Spring Pools”):
"Then flowery waters and then watery flowers
From snow that melted only yesterday - Robert Frost"

Lee Deakins (Student) Pencil Inscription: (Mrs. Henry Austin Clarke) Marguerite Dixon Clarke - author of book of poems "Wind Free" took her daughter Elizabeth, niece Virginia Dixon, and me (Lee Deakins) to Amhers College to meet Robert Frost, in residence there. She also bought copies of his poems for us which he sincerely autographed [illegible possible "for me"].

[The brief note on the title page seems to have been added by someone close to Lee Deakins, likely a friend or family member] 1937-38 While at Smith College, Lee Deakins met Frost while he was special Prof. at Amherst. He believed that the classics; greek + Latin was the best disciplines for the creative writer.

Condition:  general shelf wear, spine slightly darkened, overall in very good condition