Burton R. Pollin (1916–2009): In Memorium

Abstract

The Poe community lost one of its most generous, prolific, distinguished, and dedicated scholars on 30 June 2009, with the death of Dr. Burton R. Pollin, CUNY Emeritus Professor of English and honorary member of the Poe Studies Association. Dr. Pollin was ninety-three. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on 8 May 1916, he was a graduate of City College of New York and received his PhD from Columbia University. He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Dr. Alice Pollin, NYU Emeritus Professor of Spanish; daughter Diana C. Pollin of Marseilles, France; son Myles C. Pollin of Manhattan; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Pollin was an accomplished pianist as well as an active member of his Bronxville community through civic contributions and especially as cofounder of the Bronxville Beautification Project. An obituary by George C. McKinnis in the Bronxville online newspaper shows us the Burton Pollin I came to know, care for, and admire: