The Letters of Carl Sandburg

The Letters of Carl Sandburg

The profile portrait of the American poet Carl Sandburg reproduced on the cover of this book of letters is actually one of a 6-profile montage Steichen made in his studio. In all likelihood, Steichen was trying to create a sense of time and motion, as metaphor for the rhythm one might experience as the poet recited his works.
The entire image with all 6 heads may be found at:
https://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/carl/pencil/lincolnBiographer/CARL2486_montageCarlSandburg.html
The image selected for the book cover is bottom left on the montage.

Carl Sandburg (Montage detail) 1936