HARDY FORUM ARCHIVE HO2027 4/8/02 "POSSIBLE NEW HARDY POEMS" ============================================================ Date: Mon, 08 Apr 2002 20:06:03 -0400 From: Robert Schweik Subject: Likely New Hardy Poems Those who are members of the TTHA may have noticed a new entry in the "Editions" section of the TTHA Checklist for the year 2002 that reads as follows: Hardy, Thomas (?). Fifty-seven Poems by Thomas Hardy. Ed. with introduction by Bernard Jones.Gillingham, Dorset: Meldon House, 2002. [Fifty-seven poems for children previously published in three volumes respectively in 1911, 1912, and 1915, with pictures by E.J. Detmold and descriptions by Florence E. Dugdale. The introduction provides substantial evidence, both external and internal, that these poems may be attributed to Hardy. Three, on the basis of R.L. Purdy's evidences and authority, have already been included in scholarly editions of Hardy's verse. The issue of the authenticity of the remaining poems will no doubt be the subject of scholarly discussion in this and future years.] The question mark is, of course, unusual. But so is the possibility that more than fifty new poems written by Hardy have been uncovered in this limited edition. I thought that many on this list might want to read the poems and introduction for themselves and perhaps to take part in the discussion of the authenticity of their attribution to Hardy that will surely follow. For those, I'm giving here information about how to order a copy of the pamphlet: Address: Bernard Jones, Meldon House, The Red House, East Stour, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5JY. Price is GBP 10.50 plus GBP 2.50 for overseas postage (one pound only for UK postage). And because of the exorbitant cost of converting foreign currency checks via British banks Mr. Jones regretfully has to specify that all payments need to be in sterling checks or money orders. Copies may be available at the DCM, but whether any of the 250 they have will be left by the time of this summer's Hardy conference is at this time uncertain. And, having stuck my neck out this far, I'd invite comments from Forum members on the question of whether these poems should be added to the canon of Hardy publications. Bob Schweik schweik@fredonia.edu rschweik@fiam.net ========== Date: Mon, 08 Apr 2002 22:57:04 -0400 From: Rosemarie Morgan Subject: Re: Likely New Hardy Poems Thanks Bob, I have suggested to Bill that we might look at some of these poems on TTHA's POTM, to gain a consensus (or not so to gain) on their provenance. Alternatively, some of the poems could be transcribed and placed on TTHA's Member's Page for readers to enjoy. Any other suggestions? Besties, Rosemarie PS. TTHA members wishing to obtain copies of the "57 Poems" book through the usual TTHA membership channels-- (subject to currency fluctuations) should contact me. ========== From: "James Gibson" Subject: The 'Baby' poems Date: Tue, 9 Apr 2002 13:32:21 +0100 Whilst working on TH's Complete Poems 'in the seventies' I came across R.L. Purdy's statement that one poem in each of the three 'Baby Books' with 'Illustrations by E.J. Detmold' and 'Descriptions by Florence E. Dugdale' had been written by Hardy, and on Purdy's authority included them at the end of Complete Poems. Each bird, pet and beast has a piece of verse after Detmold's illustration of it and this is followed by Florence's prose contribution. Looking at the verses which had not been described as being by Hardy I could not see very much difference in the quality, and it seemed to me possible that Hardy had written them all, but for some reason or other did not want it known, and, of course, he has a history of this kind of behaviour. At the time I discussed this with Desmnond Hawkins and he thought that it was probable. Since the beginning of the year Michael Irwin and I have been carefully studying the vocabulary and construction of these 'Baby' poems and with the aid of Martin Ray's invaluable Concordance we have made some progress, which we hope will lead to a scholarly paper on it being published later in the year. In the meantime, the question-mark remains! All good wishes, Jim Gibson ========== Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 15:45:06 -0700 From: Betty Cortus Subject: Re: Likely New Hardy Poems Dear Members, Rosemarie Morgan recently printed on the Forum the first poem in a series of 57 new poems attributed to Thomas Hardy. I will repeat it below. I was very happy to hear that James Gibson and Michael Irwin are working on a scholarly study to attempt to determine if these are indeed Hardy's work. Rosemarie hoped that Forum members might feel constrained to comment on the likelihood of Hardy's authorship of these poems, but, perhaps because experts are working on the subject many, myself included, may have felt a little intimidated about expressing an opinion. Nevertheless, I will stick my vulnerable neck out with two simplistic, decidedly unscientific comments: First, the content of the poem is in perfect harmony with Hardy's well-known compassion for animals, particularly for animals caged, or suffering in any way at the hands of humankind. Secondly, while the language in these poems written for children is simple the author does not "write down" to his readership. This is also true of the poems attributed to Hardy in the three 'Baby Books' with 'Illustrations by E.J. Detmold' and 'Descriptions by Florence E. Dugdale.' Particularly in regard to Hardy's concern "that innocent creatures should come to no harm" I would be most interested to hear further comments from admirers of the "man who used to notice such things." Best Wishes to All, Betty Cortus ===== > THE POLAR BEAR > > Where the lone Arctic snow-flake flies, > I daily roam; > The dark night creeps, the tempest cries > About my home. > > > I have, in foreign lands afar, > A brother bear; > He is held by iron bolt and bar > A captive there. > > > So, while I range here uncontrolled > In wildest mood, > He has to do what he is told, > And wait for food. > >END > >========== From: "Andy B" Subject: RE: Likely New Hardy Poems Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 19:46:17 -0400 Status: < Subject: RE: Likely New Hardy Poems Dear Andy,, What a perceptive response. If you're nuts I guess I am too. Betty ========== From: "Michael Barry" Subject: Re: Likely New Hardy Poems Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 18:10:23 +0100 I hadn't really tuned into this debate until right now - and this sounds intriguing and amazing! A range of poems newly discovered, possibly by Hardy, written for children? - amazing and intriguing! The Wessex Actors Company has the Community Chest, a portfolio of (currently) 10 small-scale productions for community venues like village halls, schools, libraries, museums etc. ("The Indiscretion of an heiress" is one of these, as performed at the Conference 2 years ago). Is there any chance we might get a chance to perform them? Even before validation (ie while an "air of mystery" still surrounds them!) - esp to libraries and primary schools in our 5 county constituency? (We also do "Christmas through the Ages" which is a similarly based readings production for a cast of 2). We are a deserving and unfunded charity - if that sways anyone! With a fondness for Hardy (5 productions to date). Amazedly and intriguedly yours Michael Barry ========== Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2002 07:34:23 -0400 From: Rosemarie Morgan Subject: Re: Likely New Hardy Poems: 2 & 3 "Baby" poems: 2 & 3. 2 "The Donkey" Alas for the humble goal That looms in the life anon Of a thoughtful Ass's foal Like me, when I muse thereon! Perhaps I shall pull a cart -- Perhaps I shall carry a pack -- Perhaps at a sea-resort I shall bear little boys on my back. 3 "The Chimpanzee" Being one of the Monkey tribe I have to suffer many a gibe. And it is true I lack the grace That marks the human form and face. But yet, perhaps, I may say this, We do not always act amiss. For instance, I can climb a tree With quite immense rapidity; And some can see-saw by the tail From branches most thin and frail; And every one among us chatters Until we sound as mad as hatters. But I should seem to brag to you If I told you more that we can do _____ Using Martin Ray's wonderful "Poetry Concordance" (see: http://www.yale.edu/hardysoc/Welcome/orderf.htm/ -- this CDRom comes free to TTHA members) -- I found "Mad as Hatters" in Hardy's poem, "Channel Firing," also 55 instances of things that suffer. ========== Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2002 10:10:13 -0400 From: Rosemarie Morgan Subject: Re: Likely New Hardy Poems Michael-- you can obtain a copy of the book of poems from: Bernard Jones, Meldon House, The Red House, East Stour, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5JY Please bear in mind that the book is printed as a limited edition of 250 copies and I have copy 215 so you'd better be sharp about it! Cheers, Rosemarie ========== From: "James Gibson" Subject: Re: Likely New Hardy Poems Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 22:02:06 +0100 Dear Michael, You will have to be careful about the copyright situation until the writer of the 'Baby' poems is known with more certainty. If Hardy wrote them, they are out of copyright because they were published before his death in 1928, and such items came out of copyright in 1999, seventy years after his death. If they were written by Florence they are still in copyright. As she died in 1937, her writings will remain in copyright until 1 January 2008. Best wishes, James ==========