Scharmel Iris

Scharmel Iris, born Dominic Francis Garbitelli in October 1889 in Italy, emerged as a distinctive yet controversial poet in early 20th-century America. Emigrating to the United States with his family in his youth, Iris settled in Chicago, where he nurtured his literary talents. He adopted his pen name, Scharmel Iris, as part of his crafted persona, aiming to establish himself within literary circles.

Iris's poetic works, characterized by their romantic and sometimes archaic style, garnered modest acclaim and were published in various periodicals of the time. Despite the lyrical quality of his verses, Iris became infamous for his dubious practices, which overshadowed his literary contributions. He was known for fabricating grandiose stories about his literary achievements and connections with more established writers, such as claiming friendships with prominent figures like Carl Sandburg and Edgar Lee Masters without substantial evidence.

His pursuit of recognition often led him to exploit the goodwill of more prominent writers and patrons, ultimately tarnishing his reputation in literary society. Scharmel Iris's life remains a complex tapestry of genuine literary effort and dubious self-promotion, reflecting the challenges of aspiring writers in an era deeply transitional for American literature. He died in relative obscurity in 1967, leaving behind a legacy both intriguing and cautionary for literary historians.