Botto Mosher (1 results)

Unbound. Condition: Very Good. Original promotional photograph measuring 6 ½" x 4½" mounted on publisher's heavy stock paper (14" x 10½") within the embossed boarder with the photographer's copyright printed underneath, facsimile of Sophie Kerr's signature, publisher's blind stamp on the lower right corner, and publisher's label affixed to the top right corner. Some light edgewear to the photograph, a small tear and some creasing to the label, some soiling to the paper, and bumping to the corners, still a very good copy with the photograph bright and clean. The label reads, "Sophie Kerr, whose short stories will appear in McClure's during 1920." Kerr was a prolific writer and the managing editor of *Woman's Home Companion*. Upon her death in 1965 she bequeathed over half a million dollars to Washington University so that they could launch an annual literary prize, which is still awarded to this day. To the best of our ability we have been unable to find another example of this photograph. In the February 1920 issue of *McClure's* they advertise their "Great Short Story Year" featuring many photographs of the authors whose work was to appear in the magazine throughout the year including a photo of Sophie Kerr, but it's not this photo and it seems her work never appeared in the magazine at any point throughout 1920. Nevertheless, it's a powerful photo of this underappreciated writer whose endowment to Washington University has changed the lives of numerous young writers. Scarce.