Mertins, Louis, 1885-....

In 1939, Mertins and his wife, Esther Pedersen Mertins, began compiling a critical bibliography of the work of Robert Frost, a personal friend of the Mertins, which was published in 1947 as The Intervals of Robert Frost. Following publication of the bibliography, Mertins began gathering material for a biography on Frost, Robert Frost Life and Talks-Walking, which was published in 1965. The book was much more than the usual biography with its reminiscences on a friendship that lasted many years. The Mertins were also avid collectors of "Frostana," including letters, books, and other memorabilia of Robert Frost.

Biography

Louis Mertins was a man of great diversity. He attended the William Jewell College from 1905 to 1910, while simultaneously attending the Kansas City Seminary in 1906 and 1907. From 1911 to 1916, Mertins served as a Baptist minister in Missouri, and in the years following, was a poet, lecturer on Western literature, columnist, and radio commentator.

In 1939, Mertins and his wife, Esther Pedersen Erickson, began compiling a critical bibliography of the work of Robert Frost, a personal friend of the Mertins, a project which would occupy much of the rest of their lives. Published in 1947 as The Intervals of Robert Frost, the bibliography was highly praised for its personable, intimate approach to Frost and his work.

Following publication of the bibliography, Mertins began gathering material for a biography on Frost, Robert Frost Life and Talks-Walking, which was published in 1965. The title refers to the numerous walks Frost and Mertins enjoyed during Frost's visits to the Mertins' home in Redlands, California. The book was much more than the usual biography with its reminiscences on a friendship that lasted many years.

The Mertins were also avid collectors of "Frostana," including letters, books, and other memorabilia of Robert Frost. Much of their collection has been donated to the University of California, Berkeley.