Poetic Memories series

This eight-volume series of wire-bound books reproduces a remarkable set of scrapbooks compiled around 1948 by Irene Scott—the woman who preserved and shared Isabel Eddy’s writings, which included events in their lives, excerpts from her son’s diaries, and Jeanette MacDonald’s conversations and letters. Irene passed these materials to Dorothy Dillard, who decades later contacted Sharon Rich, enabling her to incorporate this rare source material into Sweethearts.

Each scrapbook page pairs a vintage magazine photo with an often substantial quote from Isabel’s letters or memoirs. Because portions of Irene’s correspondence with Dorothy have been lost, these scrapbook excerpts contain unique insights not found elsewhere.

Sharon Rich has written brief introductions for Volumes 2 through 8, highlighting the revelations each book brings to light. Volume 1 stands apart with an extended, photo-rich biographical chapter on Irene Scott, including her friendship with Jeanette’s sister, Blossom Rock (from around 1920 onward), and verified documentation reproduced from Irene’s daughter—both of whom were interviewed for the book.

For anyone interested in the origins and authenticity of the Isabel Eddy letters, Volume 1 is an essential starting point.