Coleman, Emily Holmes, 1899-1974

American poet and novelist Emily Holmes Coleman published an autobiographical novel and many poems in little magazines. Associated with the "Hayford Hall Circle" of writers in England, Coleman corresponded regularly with writers and cultural figures like Djuna Barnes and Peggy Guggenheim. Following her conversion to Catholicism in 1944, the focus of Coleman's attention and activities until her death was her religious life.

From the description of Emily Holmes Coleman papers, 1852-1988 (bulk 1930-1970). (University of Delaware Library). WorldCat record id: 666377901

American poet and novelist Emily Holmes Coleman published an autobiographical novel and many poems in little magazines. Associated with the "Hayford Hall Circle" of writers in England, Coleman corresponded regularly with writers and cultural figures like Djuna Barnes and Peggy Guggenheim. Following her conversion to Catholicism in 1944, the focus of Coleman's attention and activities until her death was her religious life. Born January 22, 1899, in Oakland, California, Coleman graduated from Wellesley College in 1920, and in 1921 married psychologist Loyd Ring Coleman. In 1926 Emily Coleman, with her son John, arrived in Paris where she worked as the society editor for the Paris Tribune (the European edition of the Chicago Tribune ). While in Paris Coleman contributed articles, stories, and poems to transition and became acquainted with others who wrote for the magazine. Coleman also worked for one year as Emma Goldman's secretary. She assisted at St. Tropez, during the period in which Goldman was writing her autobiography, Living My Life (1931). As an expatriate writer, Coleman continued to live in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s.

Although Emily Coleman's papers reveal her to be a prolific writer, her only published works were her contributions to little magazines, such as transition and New Review, and her autobiographical novel, The Shutter of Snow (1930). Based on her experiences as a victim of postpartum psychosis after the birth of her son, Shutter of Snow fictionalized her experiences as a patient in a mental hospital. Reviewers praised the novel as authentic and vivid.

Coleman's other writings also draw upon her personal experiences, particularly her strong religious beliefs. Following her conversion to Catholicism in 1944, Coleman's stories, poetry, and diary entries focused almost exclusively on her Catholic faith, which has been described as "mystical" and "fanatical."

Coleman's papers also reflect other elements of her life, for example her marriage (1940–1944) to Arizona rancher Jake Scarborough, the disavowal of this marriage following her Catholic conversion, her relationships to her son, grandchildren, and a diverse collection of friends. One particular group of friends in England, sometimes referred to as the "Hayford Hall Circle," is documented in her correspondence and diaries. Among this group were writers Djuna Barnes, John Holms, and Edwin Muir, as well as Peggy Guggenheim, Beatrix Wright, Antonia White, and others.

From 1944 until her death the focus of Coleman's attention and activities was her religious life. She became involved with the Catholic left, developed friendships with Dorothy Day and Jacques and Raissa Maritain, and lived in a number of Catholic communities. At the time of her death on June 13, 1974, Coleman was being cared for by Catholic nuns at The Farm in Tivoli, New York.

Geddes, Minna Besser. "Emily Holmes Coleman," Dictionary of Literary Biography, Volume 4: American Writers in Paris, 1920-1939. Detroit: Gale Research Company, 1980. pp. 71-72. Contemporary Authors. Volume 105. Detroit: Gale Research Company, 1981. p. 121.

From the guide to the Emily Holmes Coleman papers, 1852–1988, 1930–1970, (University of Delaware Library - Special Collections)