LEONARA SPEYER (1872-1956) American poet, best known for her works "Fiddler's Farewell" (1926 and winner of the Nobel Prize for literature) "Naked Hand" (1931) and her anti-war anthem "Slow War" (1939). Important archive of material including twenty autograph letters signed, one signed image, four autograph poems signed including two unpublished examples, a five page typed essay on writing, five typed or printed original poetry (signed), as well as numerous letters to her. The bulk of the material was assembled by Eugene Delafield, a generous patron of the arts who help cultivate the careers of Wallace Stevens, Louise Bogen and Carl Sandburg. Highlights of this collection include a fabulous post-dated endearment on a letter from Alfred Knopf & Co. who enthusiastically wishes to publish Speyer's poetry. Below the text she writes in pencil: "Fiddler's Farewell — Refused by Dutton and Macmillan and it took the Pulitzer Prize!". The collection also includes an exceptional unpublished poem entitled "Emily Dickinson". Another poem dedicated to Eugene Delafield entitled "To Saint Gaudens Statue in Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington". The group also includes a rare printing of her 1942 poem (signed), "The Day That Will Live In Infamy" which embodied her change of heart from anti-war activist to supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt in the wake of the attack upon Pearl Harbor. The five page T.Ms.S. titled "Some Notes on Writing Poetry" contains numerous corrections in her hand. The majority of the letters are addressed to Delafield and poet Alfred Kreyemborg. and offers excellent insights into Speyer's thoughts on poetry. Certainly worthy of further research. Very good condition. Approximately 36 pieces. $600-800