Renascence and Other Poems
Edna St. Vincent Millay
Read by Linda Leu
The following is a recording of the first volume of poetry published by Edna St. Vincent Millay. When the author had graduated from high school, she couldn't afford to go to college. In the summer of 1912, Vincent's sister, Norma, found work as a waitress at a hotel near where they lived. One night, Norma insisted that Vincent attend a masquerade ball, given at the hotel, if only to get Vincent out of the house and to meet people. Vincent finally gave in, and while there, sang songs and recited "Renascence," the first poem in this collection. This immediately won over the support of one "Miss Dow," who would help Vincent raise enough money to attend Vassar College. From there, she would meet others and become fully entrenched in, and later a major influence on, the literary community. (According to Savage Beauty, by Nancy Milford.) (Summary by Linda Leu) (1 hr 12 min)
Chapters
Renascence | 13:17 | Read by Linda Leu |
Interim | 16:05 | Read by Linda Leu |
The Suicide | 9:49 | Read by Linda Leu |
God’s World | 1:33 | Read by Linda Leu |
Afternoon on a Hill | 1:04 | Read by Linda Leu |
Sorrow | 1:12 | Read by Linda Leu |
Tavern | 1:23 | Read by Linda Leu |
Ashes of Life | 1:40 | Read by Linda Leu |
The Little Ghost | 1:55 | Read by Linda Leu |
Kin to Sorrow | 1:18 | Read by Linda Leu |
Three Songs of Shattering | 2:14 | Read by Linda Leu |
The Shroud | 1:21 | Read by Linda Leu |
The Dream | 1:48 | Read by Linda Leu |
Indifference | 1:27 | Read by Linda Leu |
Witch-Wife | 1:31 | Read by Linda Leu |
Blight | 2:15 | Read by Linda Leu |
When the Year Grows Old | 2:07 | Read by Linda Leu |
Though art not lovelier than lilacs, - no | 1:44 | Read by Linda Leu |
Time does not bring relief; you all have lied | 1:48 | Read by Linda Leu |
Mindful of you the sodden earth in spring | 1:49 | Read by Linda Leu |
Not in this chamber only at my birth | 1:53 | Read by Linda Leu |
If only I should learn, in some quite casual way | 1:44 | Read by Linda Leu |
Bluebeard | 1:57 | Read by Linda Leu |