The Complete Prose of T. S. Eliot: The Critical EditionVol. 2: The Perfect Critic, 1919-1926

Poets and Anthologies. To the Editor of the TLS

Times Literary Supplement, 1036 (24 Nov 1921) 771

Sir, – In your last issue I have read a review of an anthology of Modern American Poetry; from this review I gather that certain of my verses appear therein. ¹ I should be grateful to you if you would make public the fact that I had no knowledge that any of my verse was to be used in this way; that I was not consulted in the choice; and that, in short, the whole production is a surprise to me. ²

This statement in itself may interest but few of your readers. But I should like to remark that I should have much preferred notbeing included in this anthology. On previous occasions, when compilers of such works have asked my consent, there have always been personal reasons for my willing compliance: here there would have been none.

Some months ago I discussed the general question of anthologies with a poet (of a very different school and tradition from mine) whose name is much more widely known than mine is. We agreed that the work of any poet who has already published a book of verse is likely to be more damaged than aided by anthologies. I hope that other writers may be encouraged to express their opinions. ³

I am, Sir, your obedient servant, Lausanne t. s. eliot