The Intervals of Robert Frost

The Intervals of Robert Frost: A Critical Bibliography by Louis and Esther Mertins is an illuminating exploration of the enduring friendship between the celebrated poet Robert Frost and collector Louis Mertins. This fascinating book chronicles the creation and growth of the Mertins collection—a treasure trove of Frost's manuscripts, first editions, and annotated works. It offers readers an intimate glimpse into the poet’s life, creative process, and the personal connections that shaped his legacy. Beginning with the gift of Frost’s iconic manuscript Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening in 1932, this partnership blossomed into a lifelong collaboration, marked by annual exchanges of literary gifts and personal notes.

Richly detailed, this critical bibliography provides a unique perspective on Frost's work and the meticulous efforts behind building one of the most significant collections of his materials. From visits to Frost’s farms in New Hampshire and Vermont to the careful assembly of periodicals featuring his earliest published poems, the Mertins' dedication shines through. Complete with annotated insights from Frost himself, this book is an indispensable resource for fans of the poet, scholars of American literature, and collectors alike. Set against the stunning backdrop of California's San Bernardino Valley, where the collection found its temporary home, this work captures both the literary and personal dimensions of one of America’s greatest poets.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1947.