Background
Mitchell was born November 25, 1892, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
editor Professor of English poet
Mitchell was born November 25, 1892, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Along with Gilbert Seldes, Mitchell’s editorship of The Dial magazine signaled a pivotal shift in content from political articles to aesthetics in art and literature. After graduating from Harvard University in 1916 he taught English literature at the University of Wisconsin. He resigned his position for political reasons, frustrated that he was forced to give a “politician’s son who should have been flunked” passing grades.
Mitchell enlisted in the army, serving in France until he was discharged as a private two years later.
Mitchell returned to the United States and was hired by Scofield Thayer and James Sibley Watson as managing editor of their joint project, The Dial. Mitchell, in association with Gilbert Seldes, was managing editor from 1919-1920.
His appointment as editor marked a shift in the influential, modernist little magazine’s focus on politics to an artistic, literary theme. Mitchell’s work for The Dial involved not only editing but, as was common with the majority of The Dial’s editors, active involvement with and submissions to the creative or literary content.
His desire to travel led Mitchell to give up editorship of The Dial and pursue further education abroad.
Mitchell privately studied foreign language and literature, focusing on French and Greek, before returning to Harvard and graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy in Literature in 1933. While completing his degree he also worked as editor for the New England Quarterly in 1928. The following year he gave up his position to become editor for the Massachusetts Historical Society.
lieutenant was as a historical editor that Mitchell, according to his associates, truly excelled.
His “naturally keen memory and sharp eye, coupled with a sure ear for words and an occasionally brilliant wit, permitted him to excel.” After eleven years’ service he resigned but was recalled in 1947 as Director and editors He died in Brookline, Massachusetts on November 3, 1957.