Printed Document Signed by Markham Edwin (2 results)

Schoolchildren nationwide used to be required to memorize this poet's social protest piece, "The Man with the Hoe," which was inspired by Millet's painting of the same name. Printed DS, 1p, 8½" X 14", n.p. [Staten Island, NY], n.d. [post-1924]. Near fine. Broadside printing of this most renowned poem, signed big and bold at the lower margin "Your friend, Edwin Markham: / Staten Island, N.Y." Bright and attractive. "Bowed by the weight of centuries he leans / Upon his hoe and gazes on the ground," Markham begins. "The emptiness of ages in his face, / And on his back the burden of the world." -- still a powerful and moving piece despite changes in poetry style and diction. Accompanied by a fine heavy stock 6¼" X 5" color reproduction of Millet's namesake painting.

Poet best remembered for "The Man with the Hoe." Partly-printed ADS, 1p, 7¼" X 10½", West New Brighton, NY, 1929 September 21. Very good. Updating form sent out by "Who's Who in America" for their 1930-31 edition, on orange stock, with Markham's 2" X 3" biographical entry from the previous edition affixed onto the blank center area. Markham has written on the wide margin, "is frequently called the leader of the Democratic movement in American poetry" and "Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters," plus one minor correction. At the bottom he signs and gives his address. An editor has made marks and drawn lines in green ink through most of Markham's additions; two checkmarks near the signature barely touch two letters; there are several other editor's marks, in pencil and red pencil. A colorful, extremely interesting document.