The Seven Arts 1917 (June) Wrappers

Atkinson # C32     Sanborn and Clark # 10

NOTES:  Contains "Tomorrow." O'Neill's only published short story. Signed presentation copy to Robert Sisk.

INSCRIPTION:  [On first page of "Tomorrow" (page 147)]

For Bob Sisk -- / Eugene O'Neill

In addition to acting as O'Neill's literary agent, John Reed also encouraged O'Neill to write short stories. Reed was enthusiastic about "Tomorrow" and sent it off to Carl Hovey, editor of the METROPOLITAN. However, Hovey felt the story lacked suspense. It was Reed's wife (and O'Neill's mistress), Louise Bryant, who finally succeeded in getting the story published. Bryant knew Waldo Frank, an editor for a literary magazine called THE SEVEN ARTS, and she spoke to him about the possibility of publishing "Tomorrow." Frank liked the short story, and after O'Neill made revisions and cut it by a thousand words, he accepted it for publication. Frank sent O'Neill a check for fifty dollars -- the first significant money O'Neill had earned from his writing. In addition to buying "Tomorrow," Frank paid another fifty dollars for IN THE ZONE. However, before the play could appear, THE SEVEN ARTS ceased publication.