Almost as good as a time machine
Since we all enjoy hearing Hadley so much, I thought I would share a few more voices from the Lost Generation. I was amazed to find a recording of F Scott Fitzgerald’s voice! Here he is reading John Mansfield’s, “On Growing Old.” The recording was made in California in 1940.
This second clip is of Ezra Pound, reading “The Seafarer” at Harvard University in 1939:
Here is a link to Dorothy Parker reading her poem, “Men”, which was recorded in 1964.
Her website adds: “At the time of the recording sessions, Mrs. Parker was approaching age 71. Her voice ravaged by years of Chesterfields and Johnny Walker, this offers a peek at the real Mrs. Parker. She died three years after recording her work.”
We can’t forget Gertrude Stein, who is reading “A Portrait of Matisse”
And my favorite, quiet star of the show, Sylvia Beach, talking about Shakespeare and Company in Greta Shiller documentary, Paris Was A Woman.
Still no sign of the Zelda Tapes, but wouldn’t you love to hear her speak? Here is a fabulous film clip of Scott and a very demure looking Zelda:
Thanks, Allie, for your Lost Generation smörgåsbord!
Yes, that was a great treat! There are audio tapes of Hemingway reading his poems, I’m sure you’re aware. maybe you’ve included those on here and I missed them.
Wow thats amazing the quality of those recordings, they really do almost bring you back in time and F Scott Fitzgerald is one of my other favorite writers. What an interesting post
Thanks Allie
Love your time machine ! Hearing their voices really compliments their portraits and histories.
Do you think there’s any chance that the tapes made of Sarah and Gerald Murphy’s story – Living is the Best Revenge – will one day be accessible?
And yes, would LOVE to hear Zelda’s voice and see more video
Hi Susan, I have actually asked around about the Murphy tapes, I would love to hear them too! You never know what kinds of new information may turn up eventually – I am hoping so. Thanks, Allie
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