Finding-Aid for the Denise Levertov Collection (WTU00253)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Descriptive Summary

Biographical Note

Scope and Contents Note

Restrictions

Administrative Information

Collection Outline

Autograph letter signed. 1955: April 24.

Autograph letter signed. 1955: May 14.

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Biographical Note

Denise Levertov was an English-born poet who came to the United States in 1948 and became a naturalized citizen in 1956. She was the daughter of a Welsh mother and a Russian-Jewish father, both of whom claim mystics in their family lines. Levertov’s poetry reflects her cultural and spiritual roots as well as her involvement in contemporary political movements. After her move to the United States, Levertov was introduced to the work of William Carlos Williams and became associated with the Black Mountain group of poets, particularly Robert Creeley, Charles Olson, and Robert Duncan. Levertov acknowledged these influences, but disclaimed any membership in a poetic school. Denise Levertov was politically active from the 1960’s onwards, initially in the Vietnam War protests and later in the anti-nuclear movement. She was also active as a feminist. Levertov maintained the need for artists to be politically active and much of her poetry of the 1960’s and 1970’s reflected her political commitments. In addition to writing poetry Levertov wrote much about the creative process and the aesthetics of contemporary poetry. She taught at numerous universities, primarily as a visiting artist. Levertov produced more than 20 books of poetry, criticism, and translations, and edited several important anthologies.

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Scope and Contents Note

1955: April 24. Autograph letter signed, from Levertov to Weldon Kees, thanking him for his letter praising her poetry, and discussing the possibility of publishing her most recent poems. ALS, 6pp. 1955: May 14. Autograph letter signed, from Levertov to Weldon Kees, informing him that the poems she had promised to send him for his inspection have not yet been typed, but that as soon as they are, she will send them on to him. ALS, 2pp.

Bibliography:

Wilson, Robert A. A Bibliography of Denise Levertov. (New York: Phoenix Book Shop, 1972).

First Printing of American Authors, Vol. 3. (Detroit: Gale Research Co., 1977-1979).

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

Open.

Use Restriction

None

Users of the collections must read and abide by the Rules for the use of manuscript collection materials.

Users of the collections who wish to use items from this collection, in whole or in part, in any form of publication (as defined in the form) must sign and submit to the Washington University Department of Special Collections a hard copy of the Notification of intent publish manuscript collection materials form.

All publication not covered by fair use restricted to those who have permission of the copyright holder.

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Administrative Information

Source of Collection

Accruals

Interfiled within collection or by accession at end of collection.

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Box and Folder Listing

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