ROOT, E. Merrill

Lost Eden and Other Poems [INSCRIBED TO FLOYD DELL]

New York: The Unicorn Press, 1927. First edition. 8vo; ¾ paper over tan buckram with paper spine label, 125 pp. The first book by poet, professor, and fervent anti-Communist, Edward Merrill Root (1895-1973) inscribed by him to the radical editor and poet, Flloyd Dell. The inscription reads, “For Flloyd Dell - because I like him.”

Root was a student of Robert Frost’s who once jocularly called him “the second best poet in America.” He briefly flirted with Communism and some of the poems from this volume originally appeared in the Socialist periodicals, “The Liberator” and “New Masses,” where it’s likely he befriended Dell who was heavily involved with both. As an English professor at Earlham College Root became increasingly conservative and authored a number of books on campus radicalism and subversion in educational textbooks. He went on to write for many conservative magazines including “National Review” ending his career as associate editor of the John Birch Society magazine, “American Opinion.”

A fascinating association between two former radical poets. Paper chipping at corners, darkening to spine; lacking the dust jacket. A VG copy overall. Item #06024

Price: $175.00