Letters of Robert Frost, Volume 3: 1929-1936

The third installment of Harvards five-volume edition of Robert Frosts correspondence, The Letters of Robert Frost, Volume 3: 1929–1936, includes 601 letters, 425 of which are previously uncollected. During this period, Frost was close to the height of his powers but also faced personal tribulation, including the death of his youngest daughter, Marjorie. The volume also reflects Frost's response to the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the emergence of totalitarian regimes in Europe, with wit, political intelligence, and acerbity. Frost was a poet-teacher who was instrumental in defining the public functions of poetry in the twentieth century, and his letters illuminate a triumphant and difficult period in his life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 848 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2021
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The third installment of Harvard's five-volume edition of Robert Frost's correspondence, The Letters of Robert Frost, Volume 3: 1929–1936, is a remarkable collection of 601 letters, including 425 previously uncollected pieces. This latest installment in the series, which has received critical acclaim, continues to showcase Frost's remarkable literary prowess.

In Volume 3, Frost reaches the pinnacle of his artistic achievements, solidifying his status as one of America's greatest poets. However, these years were also marked by personal struggles within the Frost family. The breakdown of marriage, illness, and work caused the children to be scattered across the country, putting strain on their relationships. Frosts son Carol, in particular, faced challenges due to both physical distance and proximity, exacerbating an already fragile bond.

The tragic and emotional centerpiece of Volume 3 is the untimely death of Frosts youngest daughter, Marjorie. Frosts correspondence from this period provides a poignant testament to the challenges faced by poets in navigating the demands of their profession while grappling with the profound grief of losing a child.

Beyond personal struggles, Volume 3 also witnesses Frost responding to significant historical events of the time. During the Great Depression, he employs his wit, political acumen, and sharp wit to address the economic and social challenges of the era. His insights into the New Deal and the emergence of totalitarian regimes in Europe are insightful and thought-provoking.

Frost's star continues to rise during this period. In 1931, he receives a Pulitzer Prize for his Collected Poems, and in 1936, he wins a second Pulitzer for his collection A Further Range. He is in constant demand as a public speaker, delivering lectures and speeches at colleges, writers' workshops, symposia, and dinners.

In addition to his literary achievements, Frost was also a poet-teacher, playing a crucial role in defining the public functions of poetry. His letters reveal his deep understanding of the art form and his commitment to promoting poetry to a wider audience.

The Letters of Robert Frost, Volume 3: 1929–1936 is a testament to Frost's enduring legacy as a poet and a cultural icon. It provides a glimpse into the life and work of one of America's most celebrated writers, offering a rich and insightful perspective on his creative journey and the historical context in which he operated.

Weight: 1218g
Dimension: 173 x 250 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674726659