A unique Yaddo-related collectible: a rare 1915 first edition of The Mighty and the Lowly by Katrina Trask, founder of the Yaddo artists’ colony, accompanied by an original handwritten 1933 Yaddo welcome letter signed by George Foster Peabody and Allena Pardee—two of the central figures responsible for establishing and administering Yaddo after Trask’s death.

The book, published by Macmillan in August 1915, includes an early ownership inscription with the same last name as the perosn the letter is addressed to, dated August 1933, the same period as the letter. Condition shows expected age wear but remains solid and clean for its age. Front endpaper is detached.

The laid-in two-page autograph letter on Yaddo stationery (dated September 16, 1933) warmly welcomes “Mr. Pound” to Yaddo, written from the estate house “Mansel Alsaada.” It is fully handwritten and signed by both George Foster Peabody—the prominent philanthropist and Trask’s second husband—and Allena Pardee, longtime companion of the Trask family and honorary president of Yaddo. Their jointly signed letters are scarce, and any early Yaddo correspondence is highly desirable.

Also included is a handwritten (on the loose endpaper of the book) biographical note on Katrina Trask, likely prepared by the same early owner. Together, these pieces form a compelling association between the book’s author and the historic Yaddo residency program during its formative years. It is unclear who the Mr. Pound is that the letter is addressed to. A very interesting, rare, and collectible piece of Yaddo History.