Poetry collection belonging to Sydney King Russell, poet, editor, composer. 

Sydney King Russell (b. 29 Nov. 1897 in New York City, NY and died 28 Nov. 1976 in West Palm Beach, FL) grew up in New Jersey and attended the University of California, Berkeley. An internationally known poet and editor and member the Poetry Society of America, Russell’s work was published in The New Yorker, Poetry, The American Mercury, The Christian Science Monitor, and Good Housekeeping, among other venues. He was founder and editor of the Poetry Chap-Book from 1942 to 1953 and co-editor of Voices Magazine. Additionally, Russell was also a well-known composer and member of American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP); in 1944, he won The Kimball Award for the best concert song, “Harbor Night,” and his songs were recorded by John Charles Thomas, Lawrence Tibbett, Nelson Eddy, Hilde Gueden, Frances Yeend, Jean Madeira, and Igor Gorin. 
 
Reviewers of Russell’s poetry (he published over fifty books) praised his lyrical verse, noted his “allegiance to the timelessness of song,” and compared his comic light verse to that of Ogden Nash. 
 
This collection comes from Russell’s own library and includes 26 of his own books published between 1925-1971 (17 are privately printed and 2 are signed) and 26 books inscribed to Russell published between 1924-1972 (14 from female poets, and notable inscriptions from August Derleth [2], co-founder of Arkham House; Joseph Auslander, recipient of the Robert Frost Award; and Melville Cane). These inscriptions all point a poetic community that admired and respected Russell’s work as editor and poet over 50 years.

A complete inventory of books available upon request. Item #259

Price: $700.00