Hilda “H.D.” Doolittle’s Manuscript of “Archer,” 1952

In our Spring 1952 issue, we published three H.D. poems—“Sigil,” “Archer,” and “Scribe”—all of which were later included in her Selected Poems (1957). Though VQR has the original typed poems from the author, we have not found accompanying correspondence that explains whether the poems were solicited by VQR Editor Charlotte Kohler. Regardless, their publication is another indication of Kohler’s remarkable eye for poetic talent. During the 1950s, Kohler published “Canto 99” by H.D.’s close friend Ezra Pound, as well as emerging poets such as Radcliffe College senior Adrienne Rich. H.D.’s manuscripts are in the VQR archives in the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia.