Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

A Guide to a Kenneth Patchen Letter, Accession 11278, Special Collections Department, University of Virginia Library

Acquisition Information

This letter was purchased by the University of Virginia Library on December 9, 1996.

Funding Note

Funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a two-page autograph letter, January 5, 1951, from American poet, novelist and artist, Kenneth Patchen (1911-1972), Old Lyme, Connecticut, to Julien Cornell . In the letter, Patchen thanks Cornell for his letter describing his reaction to the books which Patchen had sent him. At the time of this letter, Patchen was recovering from the first major operation on his spine which occurred in 1950. Numerous benefits were held with the help of major authors like T.S. Eliot, W.C. Williams, W.H. Auden, and Marianne Moore, to raise money for his support while recuperating.

Due to recent problems with his health, Patchen writes, "So I am even less able now to acknowledge contributions to the Fund. For months all save the simplest correspondence has been denied me. In addition, I feel that the letter & spirit of the appeal would be violated by any such activity by me at this time."