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More on George Starbuck
Bob Lodge recently brought my attention to an upcoming tribute to George Starbuck at Harvard University's Woodberry Poetry Room. If any of you were inspired by Calculatrivia to learn more about this witty American poet, please browse the George Starbuck links in the sidebar. Also, if you've uncovered interesting Starbuck links of your own in your puzzle research, let me know.
Below are the two posts that started it all.
Comments
Two e-mails from Kathryn Starbuck. The first is about the struggles figuring out the "George Starbuck" question.
[Start of her e-mail]
Gosh. I sense that you've enjoyed the search but I'm sorry it has not thus far led to the solution. I still hope you find it. But Winfield Townley Scott! I know nothing about his work although I'm guessing he's anthologized in 19th C. poem stuff which I think I saw a century ago when I was in high school. There is, however, a (very) remote connection between him and George although I'm fairly certain the author of the puzzle could not have known it.
George's maternal aunt Winifred married a man named Winfield Scott, both now dead. He was from South Carolina. He was a descendant of Winfield Townley Scott.
Thanks for the update.
--ks
Her opinions on the contest are evident in the second e-mail.
Dear Jim O'Connor,
I've thoroughly enjoyed all the fuss about the GAMES magazine puzzle, understanding virtually none of it. George would have understood all of it, I suspect, as he went to Cal Tech as a math prodigy at age 15. It pleases me a lot that his work, however peripherally, has come to the attention of like-minded people.
I don't know if I told you that Harvard is having a celebration of his life and the publication of THE WORKS February 26. The curator and I will be mentioning all of you and the puzzle as part of the story of George.
Best of luck in your future gamesmanship.
Kathy Starbuck
Posted by: Jim O'Connor | Feb 18, 2004 9:24:30 PM
I discovered today that Winfield Townley Scott was an American poet and man of letters who died in the 1960s. His most famous book of poetry is called "Scrimshaw" He was the Literary Editor of the Providence Journal for many years. His poetry is quite interesting, and artful without being 'arty'. His memoirs, which someone gave me today in a box of books they were throwing out, is called "Alpha Omega", and it is quite interesting.
Posted by: JohnPaul | Jun 1, 2006 5:12:00 PM
Ah, what pleasant memories! I eventually emailed a thorough outline and follow-up of the whole confusing mixup to both Kathy Starbuck and the Harvard people, and received warm appreciation from both. (Would have worked just as well if he'd still been alive--wouldn't that have been fun!) All now on a hard drive whose contents may or may not ever be recovered!
Wonderful things can be found in boxes of books people are discarding. I just love browsing books in yard sales. Someone here had a 2-day sale Memorial Day and Tuesday, mornings only. Too late Monday and I barely got there Tues (was almost out of gas and had to get some first) but still got a nice bunch of books. One of the items I missed was the complete OED, the magnifier version! I didn't ask the price, but I'm sure it was a bargain.
Posted by: Bob Lodge | Jun 1, 2006 6:02:44 PM
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