Letter from Kertesz to Rukeyser, April 15 1975

Title

eng Letter from Kertesz to Rukeyser, April 15 1975

Description

eng An original, typewritten letter, dated April 15th, 1975. The letter is from Louise Kertesz to Muriel Rukeyser. Louise states that it has been wonderful talking with Rukeyser on the telephone. Louise has been intensely involved with Rukeyser’s work, during her hours of reading and even throughout the day when she watches her children do chores. Louise sent Rukeyser samples of her writing. The book reviews are from Northampton’s Daily Hampshire Gazette. The long article, which Louise doesn’t expect Rukeyser to read fully or even send back to her, is intended to show that she can do scholarly work. It is an excerpt from her dissertation. Louise does not apologize for it, but explains that the style is often stiff because she was bent on academic approbation. The work that Louise proposes to do on Rukeyser’s writings will be thorough and documented, but in a style that reflects her deep personal response to her work. Louise also sent Rukeyser Stephen Stepanchev’s review of Waterlily Fire. The bibliography had misled Louise into thinking it was a long study of Waterlily Fire. Once again, this gives Louise evidence of the need for a substantial study of Rukeyser's writings. Louise wrote to New York University trying to get hold of M.L. Rosenthal’s 1949 thesis entitled “Chief Poets of the American Depression: Contributions of Kenneth Fearing, Horace Gregory, and Muriel Rukeyser to Contemporary American Poetry.” Louise also asks Muriel Rukeyser to send her a copy of American Poetry Review in which her work is featured in an article. Louise will send it back to Rukeyser. Louise ends the letter by thanking Rukeyser for her encouraging telephone calls. Louise wants to give her very best to the proposed study because she admires Rukeyser’s work and her vision, and also due to the fact that Rukeyser’s response has heightened her enthusiasm.

Identifier

eng 018_LK_01_12_003.jpg

Creator

eng Louise Kertesz

Date Created

eng April 15th, 1975

Medium

eng Paper

Subject

eng Louise Kertesz, Muriel Rukeyser, Female Poets, Correspondence, Photography

Is Part Of

eng 018.LK, Louise Kertesz papers

Contributor

eng Andrew Schick