HOHN, Madeleine X. “Cut Violets” [1960–1966] Handwritten Poetry Manuscript Book

HOHN, Madeleine X. Cut Violets.

Illustrated handwritten poetry manuscript book, n.d. (internal dates 1960–1966). Oblong octavo (7.75 x 5 inches). 56 pages of handwritten poetry, followed by 3 blank leaves at rear. Illustrated with 9 original hand-drawn illustrations by the author, integrated throughout the text. Bound in a small notebook format with marbled paper-covered boards; the front board bears a watercolor-style paper onlay serving as the title label. The handwritten title page features two dried violet blossoms affixed. A translucent floral-patterned decorative paper is affixed inside the front cover and serves as a frontispiece. Light handling wear and age-toning to paper; boards with minor wear; translucent frontispiece lightly toned; dried botanical elements intact. Very Good.

A complete, privately compiled manuscript volume of original poetry by Madeleine X. Hohn, written between 1960 and 1966. The poems include work in both English and French and make specific reference to Chicago locations (including North Avenue Beach and Lake Michigan), Paris, Catholic churches and liturgical imagery, and personal relationships, including a poem addressed to a child named Tara Catherine. Recurrent motifs include St. Michael’s bells and sustained engagement with Catholic theology and symbolism, alongside explicit statements of non-Catholic religious identity. Literary and cultural references include Charles Péguy, Georges Bernanos, Georges Rouault, and La Salette.