Vertical File Biographies

This is an individual biography from the vertical file of biographical information, primarily newspaper clippings, created by the Kansas State Histocial Society Library and Archives division. This is a concise version--there may be more information in this or other sources.

Edna Worthley Underwood

In 1946, Edna W. Underwood was considered one of busiest translators in nation and she lived Arkansas City, Kansas. She had written more than 50 books and translated into English the writings of authors who wrote in 15 languages.

She was recognized by the governments of France, Venezuela, Haiti and Mexico for her translations of works by their nations’ authors.

Ms. Underwood was born in Maine, but moved to Kansas at age eleven. Her mother had already taught her Latin and French before she arrived in Arkansas City, Kansas where a Swiss tutor taught her seven more languages. Later, she taught herself six additional languages.

She graduated from the University of Michigan and taught school in Arkansas City for a short time and then moved to New York City where she lived with her husband, who was also a writer, for 40 years. They traveled to many countries doing research in libraries for their writings.

Many of her writings were English translations of authors who wrote in other languages, but she did write original novels and edited the works of others. She particularly enjoyed poetry, editing the works of several South American, French, Persian and Chinese authors. She wrote a novel of eighteenth century Russia entitled, “The Whirlwind.”

Edna Underwood returned to Arkansas City in later life, but continued to do translations and original writing. Although, prominent in other nations of the world, she was virtually unknown in the Midwest.

When asked which language she preferred, Ms. Underwood said that all had their strengths of sound, preciseness and complexity. She deplored the apathy of the average American in learning languages. “For it is through the great literature of the world that you can travel endlessly.”

Source:
“Kansas Women Achieves Wide Fame as Linguist and Writer,” Kansas City Star, 20 October 1946.

The vertical file is on forty-three microfilm reels arranged alphabetically by name. These reels are available through interlibrary loan, or you may contact the reference staff . Please note that many of the clippings had yellowed and it may be impossible to produce a readable photocopy.

Completion of this biography was made possible by volunteer Frank Sotrines.