A Guide to the Frederic G. Melcher-Robert Frost Collection, Melcher-Frost Collection 13024

A Guide to the Frederic G. Melcher-Robert Frost Collection,

A Collection in
Special Collections
The University of Virginia Library
Accession Number 13024


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Processed by: Special Collections Staff

Repository
Special Collections, University of Virginia Library
Accession Number
13024
Title
Frederic G. Melcher-Robert Frost Collection
Physical Characteristics
Language
English

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

Robert Frost Collection, Accession #13024, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Acquisition Information

The papers consisting of Robert Frost items were purchased by the University of Virginia Library from Sue A.W. Melcher, Appleton, Wisconsin, on March 31, 2004. The additional related Melcher material was given to the University of Virginia Library by Sue A.W. Melcher, Appleton, Wisconsin, on May 28, 2004.

Biographical/Historical Information

Frederic Gershom Melcher (1879-1963) was born in Malden, Massachusetts, and died on March 9, 1963, only a short while after his friend, Robert Frost. Melcher's influence in the world of books was notable, having worked as a publisher and editor for more than a half century; a bookseller at Charles E. Lauriat Company of Boston and W.K. Stewart Company, Indianapolis, Indiana (1913-1918), for almost a quarter of a century; becoming co-editor of The Publishers' Weekly in 1918, and chairman of R.R. Bowker & Company in 1958.

Melcher contributed to the promotion of good literature for children by helping develop Children's Book Week (1919), establishing the John Newbery Medal (1921) for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children, and establishing the Caldecott Medal, for the best American picture book for children (1937).

Scope and Content

This collection consists of the personal and professional papers of Frederic G. Melcher, editor of The Publishers' Weekly , particularly those dealing with his collection of materials concerning Robert Frost, but also his relationships to other writers, publishers, and others of the book world. Frederic G. Melcher maintained a warm friendship with Robert Frost throughout his life and this relationship is reflected in the correspondence between the two men.

These papers, 1865-1963, include correspondence, printed ephemera, news clippings, photographs, manuscripts, etc., ca. 1,375 items (6 Hollinger boxes, 2.5 linear feet).

Most of the correspondence in series five is addressed to Melcher; when it is not addressed to Melcher either personally or as editor of The Publishers' Weekly , the recipient is noted in the guide. Many of the letters in this section were generated by responses to the invitation to a dinner celebrating Robert Frost's 50th birthday; by Melcher's invitation to various authors or other individuals to come and speak at Montclair, New Jersey; or to answer Melcher's 1934 question for The Publishers' Weekly concerning recommendations for essential reading in the coming year.

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in five series: Series I: Robert Frost Manuscripts (Box 1) Series II: Correspondence of Robert Frost, members of the Frost Family and Frederic G. Melcher (Boxes 1-2) Series III: Miscellaneous Papers concerning Robert Frost (Boxes 2-3) Series IV: Miscellaneous Papers concerning Frederic G. Melcher and Other Authors (Boxes 3-4) Series V: Correspondence of Frederic G. Melcher and Various Authors and Publishers, arranged alphabetically by Name of Correspondent (Boxes 4-6)

All manuscripts and work by Robert Frost, hand-written, typed, or printed are found in the first series and are arranged alphabetically by title. The correspondence between Robert Frost, members of the Frost family, and Frederic G. Melcher is found in the second series and is arranged chronologically. The third series containing miscellaneous items concerning Robert Frost is arranged alphabetically by the type of material; for example advertising items; articles about Frost; a drawing; ephemera; guest lists, invitations, and programs for events involving Frost; news clippings; and photographs of Frost or Frost portraits.

The fourth series contains any non-correspondence material concerning Melcher or other authors, excluding Robert Frost, and is arranged alphabetically by type of material. The final series comprises the correspondence of Frederic G. Melcher and various authors and publishers, arranged alphabetically by the name of the correspondent and including any carbons of Melcher's letters to that person.

Contents List

Series I: Robert Frost Manuscripts
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Series II: Correspondence of Robert Frost, members of the Frost Family, and Frederic G. Melcher,
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Series III: Miscellaneous Papers concerning Robert Frost
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Series IV: Miscellaneous Papers concerning Frederic G. Melcher and other Authors
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Series V: Correspondence of Frederic G. Melcher with Various Authors and Publishers
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