Jerri Dell at Newberry Library

One hundred years ago, Bohemian author and editor of the radical Masses magazine, Floyd Dell, began a passionate affair with a newcomer to Greenwich Village—the yet to be discovered “girl poet,” Edna St. Vincent Millay. In the years that followed, both Dell and Millay became symbols of early twentieth century feminism, rebellion, and literary freedom.

A century later, while poring over her grandfather Floyd’s papers at Chicago’s Newberry Library, Jerri Dell discovered hundreds of handwritten letters and an unpublished memoir about his love affair with Millay. Finding him as outlandish, entertaining, and insightful as he was when she knew him fifty years before, she chose to bring him and his poet lover back to life within the pages of Blood Too Bright. Admirers of Edna Millay—as well as literary and political history buffs, Bohemian Village enthusiasts, and readers interested in writers who famously influenced social norms—are sure to enjoy this eyewitness account of a fascinating woman and exceptional poet.

On Wednesday, April 26, Jerri Dell will discuss and read from her new book in the Newberry Library's Ruggles Hall as part of its Meet the Author series. The event starts at 6:30, and afterward Jerri will sign copies of the book in the Newberry lobby. Blood Too Bright will be available for purchase in the Newberry Bookstore. Your purchase helps support the Newberry Library and this program’s featured author.

This program, which is co-sponsored by the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, is free and open to the public; no registration required.