Guide to the Edward De Forest Metcalf papers

Brown University Library, Special Collections
Box A, John Hay Library
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
Fax: 401-863-2093
email: hay@brown.edu

Published in 2008

Collection Overview

Title:	Edward De Forest Metcalf papers
Date range:	1950-1976
Creator:	Metcalf, Edward De Forest, 1924-1968
Extent:	1.75 linear feet (2 oversize boxes)
Abstract:	Edward De Forest Metcalf (1924-1968) was a Providence writer of poetry and short stories. Metcalf's papers contain numerous drafts and fragments as well as complete literary works. Included in the papers is a compilation Edward De Forest Metcalf's writings that was published after his death by his father, George T. Metcalf.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	Brown University Library, Special Collections
Collection number:	Ms. 78.2

Scope & content

The collection consists of poetry and prose; the poetry is represented chiefly by ballads, mostly of a humorous nature, while the prose consists of a number of short stories or fragments thereof. In addition to the finished products which can be found assembled into one folder (the original In Memoriam Edward De Forest Metcalf by G.T. Metcalf), there are numerous draft copies of unfinished as well as completed literary works, mostly verse.

After Edward Metcalf committed suicide in 1968, his father, George Tucker Metcalf (Brown class of 1913) put together into loose-leaf binders 25 copies of his son's writings (including introductory and explanatory notes), which were to be sent to select friends of his and his son's acquaintance, including a copy sent to the Harris Collection of American Poetry and Drama at Brown University.

Two years later Metcalf had formally published a memorial to his son, incorporating all of the material in the previous loose-leaf edition as well as some additional items of Edward's. Titled In Memoriam Edward De Forest Metcalf, this volume is the basis for the largest part of the correspondence included in the collection. Most of the correspondence is sympathetic and congratulatory to the father, George, for having published the volume in honor of his son; there is, however, also some substantive comment on the problems caused by society's attitudes towards homosexuals, of which group Edward was one.

In the correspondence addressed to Edward Metcalf, one finds criticism of his literary talent as well as comments on his desire to have his work published. There are also two letters by Metcalf in one of which he describes the political situation in Europe in 1950, while in the other, addressed to the editors of Life magazine, he gives his views on Catholicism versus Protestantism.

Access Points

Subject Names

• Metcalf, Edward De Forest, 1924-1968
• Metcalf, George Tucker, 1891-1976

Subject Names

• Metcalf, Edward De Forest, 1924-1968

Subject Topics

• Poetry
• Short stories
• Prose literature
• Homosexuality--Social aspects
• Homophobia

Subject Topics

• Race, Ethnicity and Gender
• Language and Literature
• Social Life and Customs

• In memoriam Edward De Forest Metcalf

Document Types

• Poetry
• Short stories

Occupations

• Poets
• Authors

Arrangement

The papers have been arranged in two series:

• Series 1. Edward De Forest Metcalf
• Series 2. George Tucker Metcalf et alia

Biographical note

Edward De Forest Metcalf was born in 1924 in Providence, was educated in a series of schools (grammar and high) but never recieved a school diploma, acquiring an equivalency document in 1945. He travelled in Europe in the late 1940's and early 1950's, earned his living irregularly, including a job at the Providence Journal, but was mainly supported by his father, George T. Metcalf. He died in 1968, an apparent suicide. (See In Memoriam Edward De Forest Metcalf, George T. Metcalf, Providence, R.I. 1970, for further biographical details.)

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:	Edward De Forest Metcalf papers, Ms. 78.2, Brown University Library.
Contact information:	Brown University Library, Special Collections Box A, John Hay Library Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Tel: 401-863-2146 Fax: 401-863-2093 email: hay@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Acquisition:	The collection was given to the John Hay Library from 1970 to 1977; partly by George T. Metcalf in 1970 and 1972 and partly from Metcalf's estate in 1977 subsequent to his apparent suicide in 1976.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by John E. Ingram, Manuscripts Processor, under the direction of Clifton H. Jones, Manuscripts Curator, April 1978.
Encoding:	Finding aid encoded by Daniel Mejia 2008 September 26

Additional Information

Other information:

Brown University Library catalog record for this collection: Edward De Forest Metcalf papers

Inventory

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