James Whitcomb Riley and William Somerset Maugham

A Special Addition to My Book Collection: A Gift from My Husband

My husband has been a great help in expanding my book collection, and he recently surprised me with a few treasures that I'm excited to share with you.

Among the new additions are three works by James Whitcomb Riley: Riley Songs of Home (1910), Riley Songs of Summer (1908), and Riley Songs O'Cheer (1905). Riley, often referred to as the "Hoosier Poet," was known for his sentimental and dialect-driven poetry, which resonated deeply with readers across America. His works helped shape the cultural identity of the Midwest, and his legacy endures today, particularly through Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, which continues to provide exceptional pediatric care.

What I love most about these editions, aside from the nostalgic poetry, is that they each feature illustrations by John William Vawter, an accomplished Indiana artist. Vawter was known for his landscape and portrait paintings, but his early career as a newspaper illustrator and his work with Riley on children’s books are what really stood out. His artistic contributions bring a unique visual dimension to Riley’s words. Vawter, who passed away in Nashville, Indiana, on February 11, 1941, was also the brother of Indiana author Clara Vawter, adding another layer of literary significance to his work.

The fourth book I received is The Best Short Stories of William Somerset Maugham (1957). Maugham is celebrated as one of the 20th century’s great short story writers, as well as a renowned novelist and playwright. If you're curious to dive deeper into his world, I highly recommend exploring his works or watching the fascinating Somerset Maugham Interview from 1955, which offers valuable insight into his life and thoughts. Maugham passed away on December 16, 1965, in Nice, France, a decade after that interview.

I’m truly grateful for these thoughtful gifts and can’t wait to dive into these timeless works. They’re not just books; they’re windows into the past, each with its own unique story to tell.