Greece (1962-72)

In the early 1960s, James Merrill and David Jackson established a second home for themselves, in Athens, Greece. Merrill's second published novel, The (Diblos) Notebook (1965), was more experimental in form than its predecessor, The Seraglio (1957), but like that novel it was autobiographical in content, with Greece as its setting and inspiration this time. He built on the strength of his previous two poetry volumes with three more, inspired in part by his life in Greece, his romance with Strato Mouflouzelis, and his infatuation/close friendship with David McIntosh, an artist who resided in New Mexico. During this period he incorporated more autobiographical and narrative elements into his verse, resulting in longer, less formalist poems. Perhaps as a result, the critical acclaim mounted and the major poetry awards began to come his way, starting with the National Book Award in 1966.  Highlights of this section include:

  • Mona Van Duyn’s letter inviting Merrill to deposit his literary papers at Washington University.
  • Merrill’s letter to Irma Brandeis explaining portions of “From the Cupola.”
  • A letter to Daryl Hine and a journal entry/letter draft in response to a debate Merrill was having with longtime friend Tony Harwood, revealing Merrill’s take on spirituality.
  • Merrill’s National Book Award acceptance speech.
  • Drafts from four of Merrill’s most accomplished narrative poems.
  • Audio clips of Merrill reading poems at Washington University, in 1968 and 1971.
  • Artwork by David Jackson depicting their home in Greece.
  • Photos of important friends of Merrill’s during these years and later.