"Mallarmé"

Component identifier:

Item 38

Content Summary:

Autograph manuscript. 9pp. Signed and dated, 29 June 1898

This essay, untitled by the author, was published on the Red Page of the Bulletin, 5 November 1898. It was the first of three essays grouped by A.G. Stephens under the heading, "Was Mallarmé a Great Poet?" Brennan claims that he was.

It has been written by Brennan upon the blank reverse of sheets from the old catalogue of the Public Library. Apparently he was working on the preparation of a new catalogue, for these sheets are heavily annotated with notes and revisions, all in his most minute script.

Accompanying the manuscript is autograph letter from the author to A.G. Stephens, written when he was preparing a second essay on Mallarmé. "...This Mallarmé article is long - perhaps with trans. longer than Rimbaud. But this time (I think) there is no beating about the bush. I have spared no trouble to make what I think clear and brief. I have even hunted with remorseless pen, for redundant syllables...for there's no other man about whom I can have so much to say..." A.G.S. has dated this letter 8.9.99, which agrees approximately with the time of the appearance of this second essay in the Bulletin.

In full leather binding, accompanied by the clippings from the Bulletin of the two other essays on Mallarmé. Other material of interest is also included, also copies of letters written by Brennan to A.G.S., which are devoted largely to discussion about Mallarmé.

In another letter Brennan quotes lines from Mallarmé, which he confesses he is unable to translate.

Names:

Christopher Brennan

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