Pound and Theobald began their correspondence in 1957, when Theobald was preparing a poetry textbook and was seeking input from the living poets to be included. Although gruffly stating that his poems were not meant for adolescents, Pound insisted that Theobald continue to correspond with him. At first reluctant, Theobald agreed, and for nearly a year they traded letters on a regular basis. Pound's obscure references often baffled Theobald, but they discovered a mutual interest in Eastern philosophy that often sustained the conversation. Eventually, Theobald became embarrassed when one of his students sought to capitalize on his connection with the famous poet, and the correspondence dwindled. It finally came to an end following Pound's release from the hospital and his subsequent return to Italy.

From 1941 to 1943, the influential American poet Ezra Pound made over 120 pro-Fascist radio broadcasts directed at British and American troops over Radio Rome in Italy. A proud and vocal supporter of Benito Mussolini, Pound was arrested in 1945 and extradited to the United States to stand trial for treason. However, in an attempt to save him from the death penalty, Pound's attorney, Julien Cornell, arranged to have the poet declared insane. The government prosecutors did little to challenge the diagnosis, and allowed Pound to be incarcerated at St. Elizabeths Hospital, a federal asylum outside Washington, D.C. He remained there until eventually being released, though still legally insane, in 1958. He immediately returned to Italy, where he lived until his death in 1972.

.2 linear feet (1 box)

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