Idle Idyls, A Collection of Poetry by Carolyn Wells, Marking The First Year of The Twentieth Century, and Unveiling Its Arcane Power

Idle Ilys by Carolyn Wells is a collection of poetry that showcases her mastery of the art form. The book is a testament to her skill in crafting verses that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.

Published in 1900 with illustrations by Oliver Herford, this book is one of the early publications by Wells, who was known for her work as a prolific writer and poet. Born in Rahway, New Jersey, Wells also wrote for newspapers and worked as a librarian for the Rahway Library Association after finishing school. Wells went on to write numerous novels and collections of poetry after the publication of Idle Idyls in 1900.

The book is divided into sections, each with its own unique theme and tone. The poems are arranged in a way that creates a sense of flow and continuity, making it easy for readers to follow along. The structure is well-balanced, with a mix of acute short and long poems that keep the reader engaged, exploring a wide range of themes, from nature and the seasons to love and relationships. Indeed Wells uses vivid imagery to paint pictures in the reader’s mind, making it easy to visualize the scenes she describes. Her use of metaphor and simile adds depth and complexity to the poems, engraving them in memory.

Wells’ language is lyrical and evocative, with a focus on the musicality of the words. Her use of rhyme and meter adds to the overall musicality of the poems, making them a joy to read aloud. Her style is both personal and universal, allowing readers to connect with the poems on a deep level. She owns the ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. Therefore her poems are often melancholic, but in a way that is both beautiful and cathartic.

Some of the poems are a bit dated, given the historical context in which they were written, throwing you back to that epoch and evoking feelings from that time.

First Edition
The first edition of Idle Ilys was published in 1900, publisher Dodd, Mead and Company. It was a groundbreaking work that showcased Wells unique style and mastery of the art form. The first edition is highly sought after by collectors and is considered a rare and valuable find.

Latest addition to my #CarolynWells collection: first edition of “Idle Idyls” (1900), inscribed by Carolyn to Mr. G. A. Van Nosdell, identified as a “rare book dealer from N.Y." Bonus: The bookseller name-checked me/my biography in the catalog description 🥰 pic.twitter.com/PGp7eMywp7

— Rebecca Rego Barry (@rrb_writer) May 22, 2024

I must admit that without Rebecca’s reminder, I would have forever lost the opportunity to perceive the explosive power of this book in its first edition. It’s pure glorious arcane power. Nevertheless, now I expect it to enable me to dominate similar idyllic horizons.

Second Edition
The second edition of Idle Ilys was published in 1905 again by Dodd, Mead and Company. It included additional poems and revisions to the original text. The second edition is also highly sought after by collectors and is considered a valuable addition to any poetry collection.

Third Edition
The third edition of Idle Ilys was published in 1910, Dodd, Mead and Company, no doubt. It included further revisions and additional poems. The third edition is considered the most comprehensive and definitive edition of the book and is highly sought after by collectors.